[Pia Corporation] “MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025” unveils first lineup of artists and main visual
PIA Corporation Press Release: September 18, 2025 “MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025” announces first lineup of artists and main visual Herbie Hancock and Nate Smith Persona 5 Special Big Band to Perform The first lineup of performers and the main visual, created by manga artist Ishizuka Shinichi, for the “MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025,” which will be held at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on Sunday, December 7, 2025, have been released.
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celebration of Herbie’s 85th birthday. The lineup also includes the Persona 5 Special Big Band, a gathering of skilled musicians fusing together best-selling game music, as well as a band featuring drummer Nate Smith, who is active not only in jazz but also in a variety of other music scenes, and Michael League and James Frances. Don’t miss out on this exciting special stage experience that you can only get on this occasion. In addition, manga artist Shinichi Ishizuka, known for his popular jazz-themed work “BLUE GIANT,” will be in charge of the artwork again this year. This year’s main visual, like last year’s, is a dynamic depiction of five international musicians engaging in a passionate session on stage. Official merchandise featuring the main visual is also planned, so be sure to check it out. Tickets will go on pre-sale at Pia from 6:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025. Please check the official website for details on various tickets. Performance summary [Performance Name] MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025 (Montreux Jazz Festival Japan 2025) [Date] Sunday, December 7, 2025, Doors open at 12:00, Show begins at 1:00 PM (scheduled) [Venue] Pia Arena MM (3-2-2 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 220-0012) [Cast] Herbie Hancock Persona 5 Special Big Band Nate Smith featuring Michael League and James Frances …and more [Ticket Prices] VVIP seats: ¥150,000 / VIP seats: ¥32,000 / S seats: ¥18,000 / A seats: ¥13,000 / U-25 seats: 5,000 yen / Student seats: 4,000 yen – All prices include tax. – All seats are reserved. Preschool children are not permitted. – VVIP seats are located in the first three rows from the front of the stage. – VIP seats come with a special bonus. The bonus content will be announced at a later date. – VIP seats are located in the priority area behind the VVIP seats. A special bonus is included. The details of the bonus will be announced at a later date. – This performance has certain conditional tickets, such as “U-25 seats” and “student seats.” Before purchasing, please be sure to read the notes on the sales page. [Ticket Release Date] MJFJ Official Fastest Advance (Lottery Advance) Friday, September 26, 2025, 6:00 PM – Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 11:59 PM [Ticket Sales Office] https://w.pia.jp/t/mjfj2025/ (Opens Friday, September 26th at 6:00 PM) [Organizer] MJFJ2025 Executive Committee [Inquiries] Live Information: 0570-017-230 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00) [Official Website]
https://montreuxjazzfestival.jp/ [Official [Official Instagram] https://www.instagram.com/mjfj_official/ [Official YouTube]
https://www.youtube.com/@montreuxjazzfestivaljapan7164 Performing Artist Profile Herbie Hancock
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11710/3734/11710-3734-de7200b2b26cd8f21d07c92a510b6d8f-854×1280.jpg (C)DANNY CLINCH Born in Chicago in 1940. Pianist/keyboardist and composer. A leading figure in the jazz scene since the 1960s, Monk has remained at the forefront of global culture, technology, business, and music. He has created numerous jazz standards, including “Watermelon Man,” “Cantaloupe Island,” “Maiden Voyage,” and “Dolphin Dance.” He has fused electric jazz with funk and rock on albums like
“Headhunters,” explored acoustic sounds with V.S.O.P., and explored electronic dance sounds on his best-selling album “Future Shock.” His diverse activities continue to evolve. He won an Academy Award for his music for the film “Round Midnight” and has won 14 Grammy Awards, including Best Album. He currently serves as Creative Chair of Jazz at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and President of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. In 2011, he was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. This year’s stage will commemorate the 85th anniversary of Herbie Hancock’s birth, and a special guest appearance is also planned. Official website:
https://www.herbiehancock.com/https://www.herbiehancock.com/ Persona 5 Special Big Band
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11710/3734/11710-3734-1cdb69ac8e89039eeb314c39a559c58d-1920×1358.jpg (C)ATLUS. (C)SEGA. This special big band will perform music from “Persona 5,” the globally popular game series boasting cumulative sales of 10 million copies, arranged by Grammy-winning artists. Composer and arranger Charlie Rosen, who serves as music arranger and music director, has won two Grammy Awards and two Tony Awards, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2025 for “Best Arrangement” for his big band arrangement of “Last Surprise” from “Persona 5.” The singer will be Lyn (Inaizumi Rin), who also performs all of the vocal tracks for Persona 5, and Eric Miyashiro, a world-renowned trumpeter from Honolulu, Hawaii, and a leading figure in big bands, will serve as the band leader for the Japanese players. Additionally, nine highly skilled players from the US will be coming to Japan, and selected members from Japan will also be joining the band, bringing together a total of approximately 30 members. The solo shows in Tokyo and Kansai sold out in an instant, and the hastily announced additional shows also sold out immediately through advance reservations. The band is attracting great attention from both game and music fans. Official website: https://www.ticketport.co.jp/lp/persona5_bigband/ Nate Smith Featuring Michael League and James Frances Nate Smith featuring Michael League and James Francies
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11710/3734/11710-3734-56fc22acd00675c716ec0e40936763f6-3900×2600.jpg (C)ogata_photo Grammy Award-nominated drummer, composer, and producer, and a multi-talented musician representing the contemporary music scene. Born in Virginia, USA. At age 20, he performed with Betty Carter and made his debut as a producer in 2001 with the Michael Jackson film “Heaven Can Wait.” He toured the world with Dave Holland’s band, and in 2008 began working as a solo artist and with his own band, “KINFOLK.” In 2017, he was nominated for two Grammy Awards for his album “KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere.” He has performed with a wide range of artists, including Pat Metheny, Norah Jones, Childish Gambino, Jon Batiste, and Vulfpeck. He has also appeared on the cover of “Modern Drummer” and participated in the house band for “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” His latest album, “LIVE-ACTION,” features a diverse range of guests, but focuses on analog equipment and live performances to create a warm, unifying sound. His unique philosophy and creativity make him one of today’s most notable musicians. The band performing this time will be a three-piece band featuring Snarky Puppy leader Michael League (bass) and James Francies (piano).
