Japan Jazz Nights

Misaki Umei & Tenors In Chaos

Friday 23 October 2026 | 7:00pm
Judith Wright Arts Centre, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane International Jazz Festival is delighted to present Japan Jazz Nights, bringing two of the most exciting voices in contemporary Japanese jazz to Brisbane for a special double bill.

Presented with the support of The Japan Foundation, Japan Jazz Nights forms part of a national touring program celebrating 50 years of friendship and cooperation between Australia and Japan, with performances taking place across seven Australian cities in October 2026. 

Misaki Umei is a pianist, composer, electronic producer and singer whose music moves effortlessly between contemporary jazz, acoustic composition and electronic sound. Named among Rolling Stone Japan's “Future of Music” artists in 2025, Umei represents an adventurous new generation of Japanese artists attracting international attention. 

Tenors In Chaos brings together three leading tenor saxophonists from Japan's contemporary jazz scene — Yu Kuga, Akihiro Nishiguchi and Tomoaki Baba — backed by a formidable rhythm section. Since forming in Kobe, the group has released two albums, Chaos and More Chaos, sold out its Blue Note Tokyo debut and established a reputation for energetic, highly interactive performances. 

Together, these artists offer a rare opportunity to experience the creativity, virtuosity and diversity of contemporary Japanese jazz in an intimate Brisbane setting.

Friday 23 October 2026
7:00pm
Judith Wright Arts Centre, Fortitude Valley

The Brisbane International Jazz Festival acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagera people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin, on which we have the privilege to make music. We recognise their long history of music making and continuing connection, to the land and waters.