In November, Akiko Yano also performed in London as part of a Japanese jazz program at the Barbican Centre—a major cultural complex in the city that includes cinemas, theatres, galleries, a library, and residential spaces. Seeing two legends of Japanese music arrive in London so close together created an exciting momentum.
In July, Haruomi Hosono returned to London for his first concert in several years.
The show was part of his 55th anniversary project, HOSONO MANDALA, and tickets sold out instantly. Some fans even flew in from the United States, and the venue buzzed with a special kind of anticipation. As the concert was featured within a larger festival spotlighting East Asian culture, Southbank Centre felt almost festive long before the performance began.
Sounthbank Cantre Photo by Author
Opening Hosono’s show was CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN, the band featuring Hosono’s grandson on bass. As a fan of the group myself, I found my excitement peaking even before Hosono took the stage.
Sounthbank Cantre Photo by Author
After the concert, Hosono made a surprise appearance at Stranger Than Paradise Records, a beloved record shop in Hackney, where he played a DJ set—free of charge. Crowds spilled out onto the street, hoping to catch a close-up glimpse of him behind the decks. Many fans lined up with vinyl in hand, waiting for a moment to get a signature.
Stranger Than Paradise Record Photo by Author
Stranger Than Paradise Record Photo by Author
One reason Hosono is so well-loved in the UK can be traced to a widely known anecdote: Harry Styles—who rose to fame with One Direction and now releases music as a solo artist—titled his Grammy-winning album Harry’s House in homage to Hosono’s iconic record HOSONO HOUSE. It’s a clear example of how Hosono’s influence has crossed generations and genres, inspiring musicians far beyond Japan.
So why are Japanese jazz and city pop so popular in London today?
1. The global rediscovery of city pop—and YouTube’s algorithm
We are currently in the midst of a global city pop revival.
YouTube played a significant role in resurfacing the genre, sending its warm, urban soundscapes across the world. Naturally, this led many young listeners in London to explore Japanese music from the 1970s and ’80s—including jazz.
Hosono’s music sits at the centre of this rediscovery, attracting a new wave of listeners who are revisiting his work with fresh ears.
City POP Vinyl are featured at a vinyl shop in east London Photo by Author
2. London’s music culture thrives on border-crossing sounds
London is a city where jazz, club music, avant-garde experimentation, and global sounds constantly intersect.
This openness makes it easy for Japanese jazz—with its delicate melodies, sophisticated harmonies, and careful ensemble work—to find an audience here.
Some key places that reflect this musical ecosystem include:
• Cafe OTO
Named after the Japanese word for “sound.” A hub for experimental and improvised music, regularly hosting Japanese artists.
• Mu
A space where Japanese food and jazz meet—a distinctly London-style cultural fusion.
• Jazz Cafe (Camden)
Hosts an annual Nujabes tribute night. The crowd is young, and Japanese jazz–hip-hop hybrids are treated as modern classics.
London’s wide variety of live venues creates fertile ground for Japanese music to be received naturally and enthusiastically.
Cafe oto Photo by Author
Nujabes tribute night at JAZZ cafe Photo by Author
3. The production quality of Japanese jazz perfectly suits the London ear
Listeners in the UK have long valued:
• meticulous production,
• refined sound design,
• and musicianship with emotional nuance.
Japanese jazz often embodies these qualities:
• precise and confident performance,
• subtle tonal textures,
• expressive melodies,
• and a sleek, urban atmosphere that resonates with city pop fans.
It’s no surprise, then, that Japanese jazz records fetch high prices in London’s second-hand market or that DJs frequently include Japanese tracks in their sets.
In East London, the shop Idle Moments—which sells Japanese records alongside wine—illustrates how deeply integrated these sounds have become in local culture.
HOSONO House vinyl was sold at a vinyl shop in east london Photo by Author
London is currently one of the world’s most important cities for emerging jazz talent.
Within this vibrant scene, Japanese music is finding a natural place, influencing new artists and blending with the city’s constantly evolving sound.
From Hosono to Nujabes, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Terumasa Hino, and a new generation of musicians, interest in Japanese music shows no sign of slowing down.
It’s likely to continue weaving itself into London’s musical landscape in the years to come.