In August, Tokyo’s iconic jazz club, Body & Soul, celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades as a cornerstone of Japan’s modern jazz scene. Located in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, the club has hosted countless legendary performers, including jazz greats like Art Blakey. Despite challenges during the pandemic, Body & Soul remains a beloved institution, thanks to the support of its loyal fan base.
Kyoko Seki, the club’s 83-year-old owner, reflects on the club’s enduring legacy. “Live performance is at the forefront of jazz. B&S will continue to be a place that offers this charm,” she said, commemorating the club’s opening in 1974.
Seki’s love for jazz began shortly after World War II, sparked by her father, a sound engineer who introduced her to live jazz performances. Captivated by the music’s energy, Seki left a budding opera career to open her first jazz club, Taro, in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district in 1965. Taro quickly became a gathering spot for up-and-coming musicians, including Japanese jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino.
In 1974, Seki launched Body & Soul, initially as a late-night jazz café where patrons could enjoy vinyl records. Over time, the club evolved into a vibrant live music venue, attracting international attention when drummer Roy Haynes introduced it to New York’s jazz scene. Art Blakey, the famed leader of The Jazz Messengers, frequently visited Body & Soul, helping to cement its reputation as a must-visit spot for both local and international jazz musicians.
The club became a hub for nurturing new talent, providing a platform for young musicians like Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone, now a renowned figure on the global jazz stage. “Seki-san has been nurturing jazz musicians for decades. I am one of them and am filled with respect and gratitude for the way she has shared the charm of jazz with young artists,” Ozone said.
Like many live music venues, Body & Soul faced difficulties during the pandemic, with revenue plummeting to a fraction of its previous levels. However, with support from regular patrons and a successful crowdfunding campaign, the club persevered.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Seki has begun hosting live performances again, with special concerts by Ozone and trumpeter Eric Miyashiro. “We’ve been supported by so many people for half a century,” Seki said. “I want to continue to uphold the culture of jazz through live performances.”
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