Jozenji StreetJazz Festival 2025

Event date:
September 13, 2025 at 4:13 am
Event end:
September 14, 2025 at 4:13 am

About the Festival
A free, outdoor, community music festival in the heart of Sendai. For two days, the city transforms into a stage where everyone—from performers and staff to passersby—can enjoy music together.

Key Concepts

1. The City Becomes the Stage
Performances take place at around 40 street locations across Sendai, including the iconic zelkova-lined Jozenji Street. Everyday places—shopping arcades, building entrances, parks, and plazas—are turned into vibrant stages filled with music.

2. All Genres Welcome
Music of every genre is welcome here. “StreetJazz” is more than a musical style—it’s a spirit of freedom rooted in the jazz born in the streets of the American South. This festival celebrates that freedom by welcoming diverse artists, styles, and ages.

3. Created by the Community
The festival is made possible by musicians, listeners, local shops, sponsors, organizers, volunteers, and professional staff—all working together out of love for music to create a festive atmosphere with a community spirit.

Event Dates
September 13 (Sat) – 14 (Sun), 2025
Time: 11:00–17:30 (some stages until 20:00)
Location: Sendai city center
Stages: Around 40
Rain or shine

Location:
Sendai, Japan – primarily along Jozenji-dori Street and surrounding areas.

History

The first event was held in 1991 with just 9 venues, 25 musicians, and 5,000 attendees. It’s been held every September since, expanding to a two-day event in 2000. Even in 2011, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the festival continued thanks to nationwide support. Now, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Support the Festival: Club STREET JAZZ

Become a fan club member and help support the festival through monthly contributions.

Trial Course – 550 yen/month

Early access to pre-order limited edition merchandise
Access to members-only merchandise
Optional name listing on the website and event report
Brochure and event report mailed to your home
Monthly digital content
Occasional activity reports

STREET JAZZ Course – 880 yen/month
All Trial Course benefits, plus:

Special event pass
Annual renewal gift (for those who remain subscribed through March)

Note: Membership fees are not eligible for donation tax deductions.
[Join Now – External Link]

Band Entry – Call for Performers

Applications Open:
April 1, 2025 (12:00) – May 9, 2025 (12:00)
Eligibility:
No age or genre restrictions. Open to both amateurs and professionals. Please note the festival primarily takes place at outdoor venues.
Participation Fee:

Adults: 3,000 yen/person
High school students and younger: 1,000 yen/person
(Additional charges for use of permanent instruments)

Apply via Google Form
Selected participants will be notified in early July.