This book will make your experience at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade 10 times more enjoyable!

Immerse yourself in jazz tonight
File.9　Big Band Encyclopedia (by Koichi Shibata)
Mayuko Niimura (Jazz Cafe Chigusa)

One of Yokohama's most famous jazz events is the Yokohama Jazz Promenade, held in October. Every year, a stellar lineup of musicians from Japan and abroad gathers, and the center of Yokohama is bathed in the sound of jazz.

Shibata Koichi, who has served as the general director of this event for many years, is a true Hamakko, born in 1946 in an ironworks in Nishi-ku, Yokohama. The definition of a "Hamakko" is straightforward, positive, loyal, and caring. Shibata fits all of these criteria.
For example, I think that actively putting young artists on the big stage is a sign of the "Hamako" spirit. Although they want to support young musicians, they are by no means lenient on them. Even if there are "discerning" audience members who look on skeptically at first, they are quickly drawn into their performance.

Shibata was born in 1946, during the turbulent period immediately following the war. In the center of Yokohama, there were housing facilities for American occupying forces, and many entertainment facilities exclusively for them. Entertainment facilities were essentially clubs, and the club music of the time was jazz. In the chaotic atmosphere typical of a port town, big band music could be heard from all over the place, and the whole town would have been swinging.
Growing up in such an environment, young Shibata became fascinated by lively swing jazz and powerful big bands.
This summer, Shibata published the Big Band Encyclopedia, a massive 400-page work that introduces 600 bands and 1,300 jazz musicians.
The publication celebration party, held at a hotel in Naka-ku, Yokohama, was a huge success, with many jazz musicians, from established names to young talents, attending to celebrate.
The venue was filled with laughter from start to finish, a perfect reflection of Shibata's personality. It was also a given that the attendees would mingle and start jamming, glasses in hand. I was able to join them at the end of the party, and I had a wonderful time thinking from the bottom of my heart, "Music is great, jazz is great."
I intended to say with respect, "Congratulations, I hope it sells," but he replied in his usual tone, "You idiot! Shut up!" But right after that he said, "Thank you," with a shy smile.

This year's Yokohama Jazz Promenade will be held over two days, October 12th and 13th. In keeping with the theme of Shibata's book, many big bands will be performing.
Shibata will be casting jazz in the port city of Yokohama. Come and enjoy the performance to your heart's content.