JAPAN JAZZ POP PIANO COMPETITION
The 4th Edition
COMPETITION
2025.09.13 (SAT) - 14 (SUN)
GALA CONCERT
2025.09.15 (MON)
Showa College of Music Yuri Hall
COSPONSORED BY: Kawasaki Jazz
Information regarding the 2025 edition is available here
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
<< NEWS >>
We welcome "MIRARTH HOLDINGS, Inc." and "Takara Leben CO., LTD." as our newest sponsors
Application Requirements for the 2025 Edition Now Available
We welcome "AUDIO NOTE CO., LTD." as our newest sponsor
2024 Gala Concert Videos Uploaded
2024 Gala Concert Photos & 2025 Dates Announced
2024 Japan Jazz Pop Piano Competition Schedule & Live Stream link
Interview on Web Magazine "ONTOMO" / Application deadline extended to 8/25 (SUN)
2024 JJPPC Gala Concert Tickets are now available
We welcome "TOKYO BEAT RECORDS" as our newest sponsor
The deadline for the Warm Up is July 1st!
The competition will be run by Roobato Co. from this year
Megumi Otsuka's video of the "Your Key" series is now uploaded
We welcome "HASEKO Real Estate Development,inc." as our newest sponsor