Acclaimed Musicians Descend on Niseko for an Unforgettable Music Festival

Music lovers rejoice! The inaugural Niseko Jazz Festival is set to kick off this August at the award-winning luxury hotel Setsu Niseko. Nestled amidst the stunning Hokkaido mountains this two-day musical extravaganza taking place over the Obon holidays promises an unforgettable music journey that marks a new era for Niseko.

Bringing Jazz Legends Together 

This brand-new event brings together an extraordinary line-up of jazz heavyweights. Headlining the festival is the world-renowned jazz singer ‘Keiko Lee’, lauded for her powerful vocals and voted “Japan Jazzmen Reader Popularity Poll” for an impressive 13 consecutive years. Joining her is the acclaimed pianist ‘Satoru Shionoya’ with special guest, City Pop icon ‘Junko Yagami’. What’s more, the festival features over 25 Japanese jazz musicians including the ‘Miki Hirose Quartet’, ‘Takezo Yamada Group’, ‘Junichiro Oguchi Trio’, and ‘Yoshito Eto Group’. Prepare to be captivated by eight different jazz acts creating music that resonates deep into our souls, celebrating the many vibrant styles of jazz music.  

The festival celebrates not only established stars but also rising talents within the local community. The stellar line-up of jazz legends will be joined by the ‘Shiraki Shigeru Quartet’ and ‘Mount Yotei Jazz School’ showcasing the vibrancy of Hokkaido’s local music scene.

More than Just Music: A Family-Friendly Celebration 

The Niseko Jazz Festival extends beyond the stage. The picturesque courtyard of Setsu Niseko will be transformed, offering a variety of children’s activities and delectable food stalls showcasing the incredible produce of Hokkaido. When hotel guests are not soaking up the cool festival vibes, they can take a break and rejuvenate at Setsu’s renowned range of facilities including a wide selection of acclaimed restaurants and one of the region’s largest wellness centres. Setsu Niseko offers an unparalleled experience for relaxation and family fun, with a plethora of activities available in the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the Obon holidays.

A Vision of Music, Art, and Food 

The Niseko Jazz Festival was born from a shared vision by Hokkaido businessman and jazz musician Shigeru Shiraki and Simon Cheong, the founder of SC Global Developments and visionary behind Setsu Niseko. Shigeru Shiraki has over two decades of experience fostering the local jazz scene through events like the highly successful Kutchan Jazz Festival (1990-2021). Working together with SC Global Developments as the inaugural event’s sponsor, their vision is to establish the Niseko Jazz Festival as an annual event that celebrates music and food, bringing together icons in their respective fields for an unforgettable music and lifestyle experience.

Entry to this inaugural event will be primarily reserved for guests of Setsu Niseko, who will enjoy complimentary, unlimited access to this spectacular two-day festival.  A limited number of tickets will also be available to the public through a free registration process. Interested parties can register their interest on the official website https://www.nisekojazzfestival.com  The deadline for registration is 21 July and tickets will be allocated through a random ballot. 

Setsu Niseko 雪ニセコ

Setsu Niseko offers an exemplary collection of 190 luxury hotel suites encompassing a beautiful synthesis of Japanese design with contemporary luxuries, within easy access of Grand Hirafu Ski Resort. At Setsu Niseko, we believe that your holiday goes beyond the beauty of Niseko, to encompass the unique and special experiences and warm hospitality you enjoy along the way. With an elevated culinary and wellness experience, Setsu is a destination unto itself for every season. Setsu Niseko has garnered a slew of awards worldwide for its luxurious hospitality including “World’s Best Ski Hotel” at the World Ski Awards 2023, Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 & 2024, and more recently a “One Michelin Key” accolade by the prestigious Michelin Guide.      

Keiko Lee ケイコ・リー

Since her debut album, “Imagine” in 1995, Lee has launched a remarkable career including 26 albums. A powerhouse vocalist praised by fellow musicians for her strong vocals on equal footing to musical instruments, Lee’s improvisational flair and electrifying performances have captivated fans worldwide. The 2001 Nissan Stage commercial featuring her rendition of “We Will Rock You” propelled her into the mainstream, with her subsequent album “Voices” becoming a major hit, selling over 250,000 copies. Lee’s accolades include topping the female vocalist category in the “Japan Jazzmen Reader Popularity Poll” for an impressive 13 consecutive years. Her popularity extends beyond Japan, with a dedicated following in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Lee continues to push boundaries, as evidenced by her 2015 album “LOVE XX,” featuring a virtual duet with the legendary Billie Holiday. More recently, Lee released her 25th-anniversary album “Keiko Lee Live at Jazz in Lovely” (2020) and her fourth best-of collection “Voices IV” (2022).

Satoru Shionoya 塩谷 哲

Headline act Satoru Shionoya’s musical journey is as diverse as it is impressive, flourishing as a pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. Shionoya has served as the pianist for award-winning ORQUESTA de la LUZ for over a decade; a group that garnered a UN Peace Prize and a Grammy nomination during his tenure. He has also released 12 solo albums, showcasing his virtuosity and compositional prowess. Shionoya’s collaborative spirit extends beyond his solo work, performing alongside renowned artists like Makoto Ozone and Chikuzen Satō (“SALT & SUGAR”), as well as international jazz legends Richard Stoltzman and Steve Gadd. Shionoya’s influence transcends the realm of jazz. He has contributed to the sound of popular music icon Ayaka and brought his musical vision to television, composing and arranging music for shows like “Hobby Do Raku” and “Kole Nande Shokai.” Currently, Shionoya shares his vast knowledge and experience as an Associate Professor of Jazz at the National University of Music.

Junko Yagami 八神純子

Legendary Singer-Songwriter Junko Yagami rose to prominence with a bang in 1978 when her debut single “Omoide wa Utsukisugite” (Memories Are Too Beautiful) became a hit, showcasing her powerful vocals and a sound that blended disco, pop, and jazz. Never afraid to experiment incorporating elements of soul and funk to her later work. Throughout the 80’s Yagami released a string of successful albums with well-known hits such as “Mizuiro no Ame” (Light Blue Rain), “Polar Star”, and “Purple Town”. After a temporary hiatus from her music career, Yagami returned in 2011, releasing a string of successful new albums to critical acclaim with her captivating blend of genres with her powerful vocals. Yagami has released 25 albums including live recordings, a prolific and prominent career that led her to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in the USA in 2022.