A Guide to Jazz in Japan
Michael Pronko
Raked Gravel Press (2025)
ISBN: 978-1942410379
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (04/2025)
“A Guide to Jazz in Japan,” by award-winning author Michael Pronko, is the ultimate jazz-lover’s dream when it comes to breaking down the what, where, and how of jazz in Japan, specifically Tokyo and Yokohama. This comprehensive guide takes you by the hand and introduces you to the best jazz Japan has to offer. Maybe you’ve never been to Japan, or plan on going at some point. Whatever the reason, and whatever level of jazz fan you are, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this book that’s packed with reviews of jazz clubs, musicians, shops, and more. Concisely organized and easily accessible, take this book with you, as well as the author’s expertise.
This guide covers jazz in Japan A to Z, and you can find what you’re looking for by starting with the table of contents, as it also lists more specific topics to explore. You’ll learn where to find the best jam sessions, as well as information on related genres of music–blues, salsa, Brazilian, etc. And if it’s a jazz record store you’re looking for, this book can point you in the right direction.
You may know the author, Michael Pronko, from his several Tokyo-based murder mysteries, especially his Detective Hiroshi series, but you may not know of his love and knowledge of jazz and its history and culture. You might find yourself just as surprised as I was to learn of the high level of interest Japan has in jazz. Be sure to read the author’s introduction to this guide. I love how he explains and describes his personal connection with jazz and its culture, and how it helps remind him of his original home in the United States. The author has been living in Japan and covering jazz, art, society, and politics in that country for over 20 years, so his real-world knowledge and experience of the subject are more than valuable. It’s essential.
The book is divided into sections such as clubs, musicians, and hangouts, including coffee shops and record stores. Later in the book, you’ll find reprints of essays and articles written by the author.
Even if you never visit Japan, you can still enjoy jazz through this guide. Pronko’s beautiful, personal style in this book will resonate with lovers of music. It’s easy to pick up on the fact that music, especially jazz, is a big part of his life. I found the author’s information about life in Japan to be as intriguing and fascinating as his information about jazz. For example, he tells us how, even though Japanese jazz fans may thoroughly enjoy the music, expressing emotions isn’t customary. The language barrier could be a problem if you choose to visit, but jazz, like music, is a universal language, and chances are good you’ll find someone there to help translate or explain things to you.
While you read this book, the writing draws you into each venue, giving you that you-are-there feeling, as if you’re walking around the jazz clubs taking it all in. You’ll be amazed at the education you’ll receive just by reading this. Of the clubs reviewed, I think I’d like to visit Strings, for its reportedly small, cozy feel and pasta meals served with wine. If you’re a jazz fan planning a trip to Japan or are a Michael Pronko fan looking to encounter another dimension of his writing, add “A Guide to Jazz in Japan” to your collection today.