The longstanding connection between Japan and Switzerland extends beyond diplomatic and trade relations; it thrives in the realm of cultural exchange and tourism, with an increasing number of Japanese visitors drawn to the scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and the overall enchantment of the Swiss experience. Aside from tourists, statistics as of October 2022 show that almost 12,000 Japanese nationals were registered residents of Switzerland, the highest figure so far in the last decade.
For many Japanese, especially for those who are lovers of music, part of Switzerland’s allure is the rich musical history along the Swiss Riviera; particularly, in the charming and culturally-steeped city of Montreux. With its long and luscious lineage of music, more so in the genre of jazz, Montreux holds an irresistible attraction for music lovers, worldwide. Japanese jazz aficionados will certainly find fulfillment in this city that has played host to the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, held annually along the shores of Lake Geneva and across the captivating city since 1967.
Mad for music
In the realm and industry of music, Japan is the second biggest market in the world, with the United States taking top spot, per the IFPI’s Global Music Report 2023. Given the Japan’s strong national identity and inherent love for all-things Japanese, it’s no wonder that, as far as musical genres go, Japanese Pop or J-Pop reins supreme in the country. The upbeat musical style, with its fusion of catchy melodies and elements of pop rock and electronica, enjoys a popularity of 81%, alongside rock and dance music. This is followed by international pop, rock, and dance music at 34.4%, then by anime and video game music at 24.7%.
While the popularity of jazz in Japan ranks somewhere in the middle ground at 15.8%, the style enjoys a well-established and unwavering following, with sought after jazz clubs and festivals across the country. The appreciation of the Japanese for this genre has deep roots, traceable to the post-World War II era when American jazz found its way into the country. Upon its introduction, jazz quickly became a cultural phenomenon, influencing Japan’s musical landscape.
J-Jazz is born
One key element that has contributed to the popularity of jazz in Japan is its adaptability. Known for its diverse styles and improvisational nature, Jazz is a genre that easily allows musicians to infuse their own cultural nuances into the music. Japanese musicians embraced this freedom, blending traditional musical elements with the overall jazz style, thereby creating “J-Jazz,” a unique fusion with a distinctive sound that resonated with the Japanese audience then and continues to do so until now. The cities of Osaka and Kobe were once the most well-known seats of jazz in Japan, and were the birthplaces of a chunk of the earliest forms of J-Jazz. The Kobe jazz scene also gave rise to Kobe Jazz Street, the oldest jazz festival in Japan, to date. Held yearly, typically in October, Kobe Jazz Street celebrated its 40th year in 2023, melodically marking decades of bringing the joys of jazz and J-Jazz to a global audience.
The Japanese appreciation for precision and attention to detail also aligns with the intricate nature of jazz music. Japanese musicians have embraced the complexities of jazz, viewing it as an art form that hinges on both skill and emotional expression. Japanese music lovers, meanwhile, are drawn not only to the intricacies of the music, but also to the soulfulness of the melodies. Jazz tugs at myriad emotions, weaving stories without need of words, which echoes the Japanese cultural inclination towards subtlety and nuanced expression.
Japan’s jazziest city
While jazz is popular enough across Japan, it is Tokyo, the dynamic capital city, that now stands out as a hub for enthusiasts of the musical style. Tokyo plays hosts to a vibrant jazz scene; the city boasts a number of well-loved jazz clubs, each with its own character and charm. These venues provide a platform for both local and international jazz artists to showcase their talent before appreciative audiences.
The longstanding connection between Japan and Switzerland extends beyond diplomatic and trade relations; it thrives in the realm of cultural exchange and tourism, with an increasing number of Japanese visitors drawn to the scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and the overall enchantment of the Swiss experience.
Additionally, jazz festivals in Japan draw massive crowds, celebrating the genre in grandeur. The Yokohama Jazz Promenade and Tokyo Jazz Festival are just two examples of larger-scale events at which jazz lovers gather to revel in the diverse sounds. These events not only shine the spotlight on local talents but also feature big names in the international jazz scene, nurturing a global exchange of musical ideas.
Montreux’s musical mark
As far as jazz festivals go, Switzerland likewise holds its own in the genre, with the annual Montreux Jazz Festival, usually held in July, taking center stage. The picturesque town on the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva has become synonymous with the celebration of jazz and music in general, drawing aficionados and artistes, alike, from across the globe. In fact, the town has recently been added to UNESCO’s prestigious Creative Cities Network in the music category. Jazz junkies come from all around the world to get their fusion-filled fix of the swing and blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation for which the genre is beloved. The festival’s open-minded approach to music has enabled its evolution to a more eclectic identity; to date, the musical celebration is a melting pot that incorporates not only traditional jazz but also fusion, blues, and rock.
The history of jazz in Montreux can be traced back to the visionary mind of Claude Nobs, the founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival. Nobs, a passionate music lover, started the festival in 1967, initially focusing on jazz but later expanding to incorporate a wide spectrum of musical genres. The festival gained international acclaim for its extensive lineup and pristine location, set against the breathtaking Swiss Alps, attracting jazz greats like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald in its early years. Over decades, the festival has hosted a legendary lineup of jazz icons, including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Quincy Jones.
Montreux’s jazz scene is not confined to the annual festival alone. The town has cultivated a year-round appreciation for jazz, with various venues embracing the music. The Montreux Jazz Club, in the heart of the town, provides an intimate setting for live performances. From old-school jazz to avant-garde experiments, the venue embraces and emanates the diversity that characterizes the global jazz landscape.
Fostering connections
It has often been said that music is the “universal language.” The ever-expanding interest of Japanese tourists in visiting Switzerland is a testament to the enduring appeal of the nation, for its cultural, historical, and natural beauty—and also for its musicality. As cultural exchange between Japan and Switzerland continues to blossom, economic opportunities arise. Moreover, this fosters a deepening cultural connection between the two nations, grounded in a rich respect for each other’s unique characteristics, with music to “beat-ifully” bridge whatever may be lost in translation.
