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.
Two generations later, young Japanese jazz musicians still follow in her footsteps and try to earn their chops by attending music academies in America and playing in clubs there.
With a thriving jazz scene at home, however, why would a young artist leave everything behind and try to make their career in the United States? Jazz musician Makoto Ozone, himself a Berklee graduate, tells The Japan Times that the "American experience" carries a badge of authenticity — but for the wrong reasons.