Aoyama Gakuin University Royal Sounds Jazz Orchestra Wins Again at YBBJC 2025

On August 16 and 17, 2025, the 56th Yama No Big Band Jazz Contest took place at Kuruts Kawasaki in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, organized by Yamano Music Co., Ltd. This year's contest saw passionate performances from various university jazz bands, culminating in a highly competitive atmosphere.

The Royal Sounds Jazz Orchestra from Aoyama Gakuin University made headlines by winning the best award again, marking their second consecutive victory. The excitement around the event was palpable as they delivered an impressive performance that captured the judges' favor.

Contest Results

- 1st Place Best Award: Aoyama Gakuin University Royal Sounds Jazz Orchestra.
- 2nd Place Excellence Award: Showa University of Music Lily Jazz Orchestra.
- 3rd Place Excellence Award: Gakushuin University Sky Sounds Jazz Orchestra.
- Other notable placements include Light Music Society in 4th place, Osaka University The New Wave Jazz Orchestra in 5th, and Meiji University Big Sounds Society Orchestra in 6th.

The contest not only recognized the top bands but also highlighted outstanding individual performers. The Best Soloist Award was granted to Taku Fujino from Meiji University, while excellence awards were also given to Kantaro Sawatani from Gakushuin University and Yuhei Inoue from Osaka University.

A unique accolade, the Best Rank-Up Award, went to Yokohama National University Baysound Jazz Orchestra, reflecting their remarkable improvement over the previous year. Additionally, the Gakuban Award, chosen by participating bands themselves, was awarded to The New Wave Jazz Orchestra from Osaka University.

Yamano Music Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1892, Yamano Music Co., Ltd., based in Ginza, Tokyo, has been a cornerstone of Japan's music landscape for over a century. As of 2025, they will celebrate 133 years of operation, continuing to provide a wide array of musical instruments, sheet music, and audio/visual media sales. The company also oversees more than 40 music schools across the country, emphasizing their commitment to music education.

Yamano Music is known as the exclusive distributor for many renowned brands such as G&L and Warwick. Their dedication extends beyond retail, as they manage various music-related events like the YBBJC, supporting the growth and exposure of jazz bands nationwide.

For more information, visit their official website.

Connect with Yamano Music

- Homepage: Yamano Music
- Facebook: Yamano Music Facebook
- Instagram: Yamano Music Instagram
- X (formerly Twitter): Yamano Music X

As the music community looks forward to the next competition, the impact of YBBJC and the contributions of bands such as the Royal Sounds Jazz Orchestra continue to resonate throughout the jazz scene in Japan.