James Catchpole - The Japan Times

Today's print edition

Subscribe for more access

James Catchpole

Meta

Twitter

James Catchpole

James Catchpole is a Brooklyn, New York native, 15-year resident of Tokyo. Runs the website www.tokyojazzsite.com documenting the hidden jazz scene in Tokyo. Writes for The Japan Times and GaijinPot website.

For James Catchpole's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Feb 26, 2019

Delving deep into the Kanto jazz bar scene

The tourist boom in Japan shows no sign of ending, with the number of visitors only set to increase in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Whether for bulk shopping, temple visiting or sushi-counter hopping, Tokyo and surrounding neighborhoods have endless adventures just waiting to be discovered. This goes doubly for serious music fans, especially those looking to dive into the local jazz scene.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music / Sound Off

Nov 29, 2018

Farewell Mary Jane: Grieving for a lost jazz hideout

The late Donald Richie, a legendary chronicler of 20th century Japan, once said that to accept life in Tokyo, you must embrace constant change and not give in to nostalgia. In the 60 years he lived in this great city he saw multiple transformations — from the immediate post-World War II days to the economic miracle of the bubble years. To him, Tokyo was a constant whirl of redevelopment and expansion.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Aug 21, 2014

Sukiyaki Meets the World ... and the world gets to meet Toyama

In June of 1963, Kyu Sakamoto's "Ue wo Muite Aruko" — better known as "Sukiyaki" overseas — became Japan's first, and only, No. 1 hit single in the United States.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Nov 15, 2012

Yume-Goto shows how Kagawa rocks (literally) on stage

Growing up in a village in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Masashi Tomikawa never thought twice about the geology of his surroundings. The volcanic rocks that surrounded him, however, are now part of the drummer's arsenal of sound.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Aug 31, 2012

Tokyo Jazz Festival grabs Ornette Coleman for headlining spot

Note: A week after the publication of this article, Tokyo Jazz Festival organizers announced Ornette Coleman will not come to Japan due to poor health.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

May 24, 2012

Wi-Fi, Facebook and all that jazz

Fumito Fukuchi, owner and proprietor of Kissa Sakaiki jazz cafe in Tokyo's central Yotsuya neighborhood, grins as he puts the finishing touches to an online schedule.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Jan 12, 2012

When it comes to technique, Ozone says, 'Go West'

In 1956, pianist and band leader Toshiko Akiyoshi made the brave decision to leave Japan and enter the Berklee College of Music in Boston. As a young Asian woman embarking on a career in jazz, she was a novelty back then. She persevered and subsequently spent the majority of her career in the United States.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Aug 26, 2011

Tokyo Jazz Festival plays to a plethora of tastes

Jazz is always progressing. When the first jazz cafes began appearing in Yokohama around 100 years ago, nobody could have imagined the world they'd be a part of. Bebop and blues, tap dancers and turntables — the essential ingredients of the genre have evolved, and that is the main focus of the Tokyo Jazz Festival.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.

For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on

By Lance Henderstein

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports