Released at the height of the electric fusion era, ‘Stop Over’ is an all-acoustic hard bop killer, sounding like the Jazz Messengers on speed. When it was originally issued on the private Smile label in 1976.

This compilation uncovers some of the most sought after and rare material from 1969-1984 and pulls together key artists who shaped the post-war modern jazz scene in Japan.

Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969–1984 is a carefully curated collection showcasing the very finest of Japanese modern jazz. Featuring rare tracks and timeless recordings, it captures the depth, creativity, and unique spirit of Japan’s vibrant jazz scene.

Since 2018, the J Jazz series has showcased standout Japanese jazz from the 1960s–80s. Blending samba, funk fusion, modal, spiritual, post-bop, and bossa, it captures the richness and evolving sound of a dynamic jazz scene.

Highlighting key recordings from 1968–1981, this collection spans solo to big band, jazz classical interpretations and heavy jazz rock, from febrile post-bop and white-hot samba fusion to modal psychedelic wig-outs—capturing the bold range and energy of Japan’s evolving jazz scene.

This final volume features a selection of tracks that is as diverse as it is deep, reflecting the rich and varied Japanese jazz scene that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a golden era of innovation and creativity.

Topology by Makoto Terashita and Harold Land, originally released in 1983 on the cult Aketa’s Disk label, documents a compelling collaboration between a young Japanese pianist and an elder American statesman of jazz.

The debut album from pianist Masao Nakajima. Recorded in 1979 on Yupiteru Records, it’s an elusive beast in the field of J Jazz and balances delicate and refined playing with power and vigour.

A rare Japanese jazz album from the 1970s, originally released in 1979 on ALM, a cult private-press label.

Free Fight is a powerful debut from one of Japan’s most distinctive jazz voices. Originally released in 1988 on the private Mobys label with Stir Up!, it introduced Hayasaka as an artist of rare intensity and imagination.

Recorded in December 1990 at the jazz club Lovely in Nagoya, this set sees Moriyama’s quartet deliver an exemplary session of the finest modal, post-bop and spiritual jazz.

A private press rarity that few know of, ‘Song of Island’ was the third album from pianist Yasuhiro Kohno’s trio, recorded live at the jazz club and live house (gig venue) ‘Again’ in August 1985.