Yokohama Nigiwaiza in the city's Sakuragi-cho district will stage a magical jazz show on Aug. 29-30.
Titled "Jazzma," derived from the words jazz and wazuma (Japanese- style magic), the show will feature two distinguished wazuma performers, Shintaro Fujiyama and his pupil Kotaro Fujiyama, as well as a Dixieland band.
The show, to be held from 4 p.m. on both days, is part of the commemorations of the 150th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port, which has played a key role in introducing jazz to Japan.
Jazz is said to have been brought here in 1925 by a troupe led by Tenkatsu Shokyokusai, a female magician who had toured the United States and returned with a seven-piece jazz band — while wazuma dates from the Edo Period (1603-1867).
The Nigiwaiza show will also feature mizugei (water art), a traditional magic trick in which fountains of water are seen shooting up from performers and various props they use.
Admission is ¥4,000 at the door for adults and ¥2,000 for junior high school students and those younger. For reservations, call the theater at (045) 231-2515. For more details, visit www.yaf.or.jp/nigiwaiza/
