Home - Japan Jazz Pop Piano Competition - ジャパン・ジャズ・ポップ・ピアノコンペティション Japan Jazz Pop Piano Competition

JAPAN JAZZ POP PIANO COMPETITION

The 4th Edition

COMPETITION

2025.09.13 (SAT) - 14 (SUN)

Shibuya Mitake Salon

Results

GALA CONCERT

2025.09.15 (MON)

Showa College of Music Yuri Hall

COSPONSORED BY: Kawasaki Jazz

See here for details

Thank you for participating!

Details for the 5th Edition (2026)

will be announced in December

ORGANIZED BY

SUPPORTED BY

ENDORSED BY

Polish Institute in Tokyo／"Ongaku no Machi Kawasaki" Suishin Kyogikai

Showa University of Music／Toho Gakuen／European Piano Association／IMC Music Publisher ltd.

Steinway Japan, Ltd.／Fazioli Japan Co., Ltd.／Jaz.in／Support Music Society

Message from the Chairman

For centuries after the emergence of Western classical music, many pianists were composers as well as performers, with improvisational abilities. They entertained those who listened, and were revered for their skills accompanied by the spontaneous creativity to tread into unwritten territory. Since the 19th century, improvisation in classical piano music has become a lost art due to specialization of musicians’ roles. On the other hand, improvising has been a key ingredient for jazz, and shared later on by pop music.

As a judge in classical piano competitions, I realized that when many classically trained pianists played written jazz or pop pieces, increasingly chosen by competitors, they were often not as proficient as when they played classical pieces. The main difficulty that they shared was feeling the groove.

The aim of this competition is to recapture the artistic freedom that was prevalent in the past. Through jazz and pop music, the participants will rediscover or further enhance their creativity and personal expression. The panel of judges consists of artists with active performing careers and extensive experience in teaching. The requirements and standards of the competition will differ depending on the level of the contestant. It goes without saying that advanced players would also be welcome.

The criteria of assessment would change accordingly based on the divisions. However, beauty of tone is essential and will be taken into consideration for all levels. The team of judges will evaluate the contestants’ performances and offer individual advice. I hope you will join us, and most importantly, take something away from this experience.

Michal Sobkowiak

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2025.09.18

Thank you for participating in the 4th edition of Japan Jazz Pop Piano Competition & Gala Concert

2025.09.14

We have uploaded the results for the Pop Division (Blocks 3-4)

2025.09.14

We have uploaded the results for the Pop Division (Block 2)

2025.09.13

We have uploaded the results for the Jazz Division (Blocks 4-5)

2025.09.13

We have uploaded the results for the Jazz Division (Blocks 1-3)