MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Recap of MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025

The MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025, held from December 5-7, 2025, in Yokohama's beautiful Minato Mirai area, brought together a diverse lineup of talented artists for an extraordinary celebration of jazz and contemporary music. This article looks back at the highlights from the festival's second day, focused on the JAPAN ARTISTS EVE SHOW, where up-and-coming and established bands took the stage at the pia Arena MM.

Day Two Highlights: JAPAN ARTISTS EVE SHOW

Kicking off the evening on December 6 was the new-generation five-member band luv. Known for their vibrant energy and engaging performance, the group, all born in 2003, opened with their catchy debut song, "脳におまじないなme" (Nō ni Omajina'sme). Dressed in retro psychedelic outfits, lead vocalist and guitarist Hiyn radiated charisma as the band seamlessly blended different musical styles into a captivating show that ensured the audience was rocking along to every beat.

The combination of strong sound engineering and playful melodies immediately captivated new listeners as the audience danced and swayed, thoroughly enjoying their introduction to luv. With their friendly banter and energetic performance, they set the perfect tone for the rest of the evening.

Next on stage was the alternative funk band BREIMEN. Unfortunately, their vocalist and bassist Shota Takagi fell ill on the day of the performance; however, the remaining members quickly switched gears and put together a special session featuring guest musicians, creating a unique experience for the audience. Sato Katsushiro on guitar, Ikeda Yuta on keyboards, George Hayashi on saxophone, and So Kanno on drums still managed to deliver an electrifying show that paid tribute to their missing bandmate.

Various guest musicians joined BREIMEN throughout their set, including bassist Ōtsuka Manami and rapper Skaai, enhancing the performance with unexpected surprises. Despite the challenges, the band’s resilience and the quality of their music shone through, making this a memorable moment for all.

Following this, Jeremy Quartus, the vocalist of Nulbarich, took the stage. Quartus, who started his solo project in July 2025, brought an enchanting mix of his own tracks along with covers like Elvis Presley's classic "Can’t Help Falling in Love." His performance integrated smooth beats that transported the crowd into a dreamy state, seamlessly transitioning between nostalgic ballads and modern hits.

The highlight of Quartus's set came with a heartfelt message to the youth in the audience, sharing insights on finding joy in life, which resonated deeply with his listeners and earned him a thunderous applause.

The evening’s headliner was the explosive five-piece band Kroi, known for their unstoppable rise since debuting in 2018. Their fusion of R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop was irresistible, igniting the crowd’s energy. They delivered an exhilarating array of songs from ‘’Method’’ to the show-stopping finale track ''Shincha,'' leaving the audience buzzing with adrenaline as they wrapped up the JAPAN ARTISTS EVE SHOW.

Day Three Insights and Performances

Transitioning to the final day of the festival, the renowned composer and bandleader Shuta Hasunuma led the Hasunuma Shuta Philharmonic to a spectacular opening act. Joining forces with various instruments, from traditional Japanese ones to drums and synthesizers, they created a genre-blending atmosphere that enchanted attendees and presented a fresh new dimension to the festival.

Following this, the six-member group L’Osmose, hailing from Geneva, Switzerland, rocked the stage. Their confidence was palpable as they performed for an audience 10 times the size of their previous gig, showcasing their impressive stage presence and musical prowess.

The festival also featured remarkable performances from MJFJ TB×ER UNIT with BIGYUKI and the much-anticipated PERSONA5 Special Big Band, culminating in unforgettable moments that built a vibrant energy throughout the arena.

The highlight undoubtedly came as the legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock took to the stage, joined by a star-studded lineup. Celebrating his 85th birthday, Hancock delivered a set that left everyone in awe, concluding with a spontaneous jam session that showcased his genius and the unwavering spirit of jazz.

The festival wrapped up triumphantly, with attendees feeling the rhythm of jazz coursing through them long after it concluded. The MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2025 was indeed an unforgettable experience filled with spectacular music, heartwarming moments, and a true celebration of creativity.

With its impressive roster of talents, MJFJ 2025 successfully captured the essence of the original Montreux Jazz Festival, cementing its place as a vital part of Japan's musical landscape.