Live Yokohama: A Musical Celebration in Japan's Jazz Capital

This autumn, the city of Yokohama in Japan came alive with music during the 4-day event known as "Live Yokohama." The city is striving to become a more vibrant and comfortable place to live, and this festival was a testament to that effort.

Jazz and Anime: A Unique Blend

A highlight of the festival was a jazz band formed by local residents, featuring both young and senior musicians. They entertained the audience with jazz versions of popular anime songs. Yokohama has a deep-rooted connection to jazz, having hosted its first jazz performance in 1925 and opening a jazz cafe by 1933. Today, the city is home to over 40 venues dedicated to jazz, making it one of the world's top cities for jazz music.

Music for All Ages

Kaori Mori, an official from Yokohama City, mentioned that "Live Yokohama" was the first event of its kind this year. Over four days, more than 30 stages offered a variety of music, art, and live performances. Future venues like the 'K Arena' and 'Pia Arena' are expected to attract many music lovers to Yokohama in the coming years.

Young Talent Shines

High school students also had the opportunity to showcase their musical talents. Ten brass bands from schools across the country participated, with each band consisting of 50 to 100 students. They performed beloved Japanese songs that have been popular for over 70 years, ensuring that this timeless music is passed on to the younger generation.

Hands-On Musical Experience

Yokohama citizens were given the chance to engage with music directly. Yamaha set up a special booth where visitors could try out eight different instruments, including the violin, saxophone, and drums. One visitor expressed their joy, saying it was a great opportunity for their daughter to experience playing expensive instruments like the violin for free. They found it to be an excellent way to spark children's interest in music through hands-on experience.

With its rich musical history, Yokohama City continues to evolve, making strides to become an even more vibrant, attractive, and comfortable place to live.