Tokyo jazz camp marks decade of nurturing talent for world stage

The Seiko Summer Jazz Camp, marking its 10th anniversary, continues to nurture young talent for the world stage. This annual event in Tokyo, held at Shobi College of Music, brings together 42 aspiring musicians aged 16 to 25. Selected through video auditions, the participants come from diverse backgrounds and are divided into courses based on their instruments, including saxophone and drums.

The camp, conceived by Tomoki Sassa, head of record company Spice of Life, aims to provide a platform for musicians in Japan to study jazz, which remains limited outside private music universities. Sassa, along with musicians like pianist Takeshi Obayashi, conceived the idea after realizing the need for more jazz study opportunities in Japan. Major watchmaker Seiko sponsored the program, making participation free for young musicians.

The five-day camp, which took place in August, focuses not only on teaching techniques but also on fostering a spirit of acceptance and adaptability. Trombonist Michael Dease, who leads the camp's instructors, emphasized the importance of listening and trust in communication, as well as the fun aspect of jazz. He encouraged the students to embrace their individuality and differences, stating that they benefit jazz music and life as a whole.

This year, a composition and arrangement course was introduced, taught by composer Miho Hazama, a two-time Grammy nominee. Big-band classes and jam sessions were also part of the program. The camp's success has led to more than 350 alumni pursuing careers in Japan and overseas. On the final day, the participants showcased their skills in a concert, with pianist Kaho Yoshizawa winning the top award. In addition to her achievement, Yoshizawa was awarded the opportunity to attend a jazz camp in the United States.