Japanese jazz musicians in tune
with post-pandemic 'new normal'

In March, a few weeks after one of Japan's quasi-states of emergency was lifted, fans packed a 600-seat hall in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, for a concert by 89-year-old saxophonist Sadao Watanabe. He began with an original, "One For You." It was the first live music the audience had heard in months.

Watanabe has witnessed firsthand the growth of jazz in Japan, which began with the arrival of U.S. occupation forces after World War II. Over the ensuing years, U.S. military facilities were built in and around major cities. These included clubs for military personnel yearning to hear the music they had left at home. The 1940s and 1950s were the golden era of jazz in the U.S., and in U.S.-occupied Japan, Watanabe was one of many young Japanese musicians who honed their skills in military clubs.

After the release of his first album in 1961, Watanabe spent four years in Boston -- a jazz hot spot, then and now -- and became only the second Japanese to study at Berklee College of Music before returning to Japan. Since then he has released more than 80 albums.

"Over the past two years while my concerts were being canceled, I had time to listen to my past work. It was a good chance to look back on my life, not just my performances," he said. "I found a lot of differences in my past and present acts, stamina included."

Very few saxophonists remain active in their 80s. Before the pandemic though, Watanabe toured almost every month, playing two-hour sets at venues across Japan. "Practice is the only way to maintain your playing ability," he says. "I never fail to play at least two hours every day." When he is not on the road, Watanabe leads a simple life, rising at 5:30 a.m. and walking to a park where he exercises. When he returns home, he practices. "I finish almost everything I need to do before noon."

During his post-pandemic tour, Watanabe has been joined by pianist Masaki Hayashi, 43, bassist Kiichiro Komobuchi, 56, and 32-year-old drummer Ittetsu Takemura. But the famed saxophonist says the difference in age is unimportant. "Age doesn't matter. I just want to play with good musicians who give me joy and inspiration."

What makes a good musician to Watanabe's ears? "Someone who plays from the heart. I don't care about their technique," he told Nikkei Asia. "You may express tender or powerful emotions, depending on the music. What matters is whether you can express your feeling honestly and delicately through your sound. It's really simple."

"I too want to express honestly, that has been my motivation, he said. "Not every performance is a success. In the past, I could play fast phrases smoothly but now I stumble or run out of breath. When that happens, I play with simple notes, cherishing the presence of each."

With the pandemic behind him, Watanabe says he plans to " keep trying, as far as my age allows, to give as many performances that satisfy me as possible." He marked the 70th anniversary of his professional career in 2021, though many commemorative concerts were canceled because of COVID curbs. But he says the pandemic did not dampen his creativity. Asked what he wants to do most, his answer was "give good performances."

Clearly, the pandemic has changed the industry worldwide. In Japan, many musicians have turned the crisis into an opportunity to hone their skills, stressing the importance of musical integrity and determination. It is a universal language. For most musicians as well as critics and fans, that remains the most important element of jazz.