Sadao Watanabe Performances 2025 to 2026 Tickets Information

• December 7, 2025 at 4:00 pm
  Event date:
• May 15, 2026 at 8:00 pm
  Event end:

Overview

Japan’s preeminent jazz saxophonist, Sadao Watanabe, embarks on a series of major performances spanning late 2025 into 2026, showcasing his artistry across different ensemble formats, including his big band, his touring group, and his quartet. The concerts celebrate his enduring legacy and feature top musicians from both Japan and the international jazz scene.

The tour includes two distinct major programs: the Sadao Watanabe Orchestra “EPISODE” (a large ensemble show) and the 75th Anniversary Sadao Watanabe Group 2026 ~California Shower~ (featuring his touring band with a focus on his iconic hit). A subsequent tour, 75th Anniversary Sadao Watanabe Quartet 2026 ~INTO TOMORROW~, will follow in 2026.

Ticket sales are currently underway for multiple venues, utilizing both first-come, first-served general sales and lottery pre-orders for popular stops. With limited seating and different booking periods for each date, prompt action is recommended to secure seats for these legendary jazz concerts.

Why Attend

• See Sadao Watanabe live, Japan’s most celebrated and influential alto saxophonist.
• Experience three distinct musical formats: the powerful Sadao Watanabe Orchestra, the groove of the Group (featuring hits like “California Shower”), and the intimacy of the Quartet.
• The Sadao Watanabe Orchestra “EPISODE” features a massive lineup of elite musicians, including Russell Ferrante (p) and Ben Williams (b).
• Attend the 75th Anniversary tour, a milestone celebration of his decades-long career.
• Multiple seating options are available across the tour, including deeply discounted Student Tickets (¥4,000) at select venues.
• Performances are scheduled in premier concert halls across Japan, including Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo), Acros Fukuoka Symphony Hall, and ROHM Theatre Kyoto.

Tour Schedule & Ticket Information

Ticket Types & Pricing

Booking with Jasumo

Submit your request through the Jasumo Contact Form with: date, venue, ticket type (reserved), and quantity (e.g., “February 7 Toki Messe Niigata, 2x reserved”). Jasumo offers comprehensive bilingual support, including account creation, lottery/general release submission, payment guidance, and physical pickup coordination.

Group bookings up to 8 tickets per application supported, with 4 applications limit per show. Apply early for lottery—¥12,100 tickets vanish fast for diamond jihad savings. Jasumo ensure seamless navigation for international users, from lottery entry to entry validation.

The current sales window includes critical lottery deadlines (Fukuoka and Niigata ending November 16th), as well as ongoing general sales. Jasumo can manage the time-sensitive lottery applications, handle various payment methods (credit card, convenience store/ATM), and assist with ticket collection at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart, or Smart Ticket download, ensuring international fans can smoothly attend this extensive tour.

Disclaimer

Jasumo provides a specialized facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, assisting with ticket acquisition for cultural events like Europe Kikaku’s 44th Performance “Internet Island Explorer” Tour through authorized platforms. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide international customers through the official booking process, addressing challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Japanese-only ticketing systems; Jasumo offers bilingual support.
• Local Platforms: Assistance with lottery registration, payments, and e-ticket delivery.
• High Demand: ~300–1,500 seats per venue and troupe’s cult following create sellout risks; we manage deadlines for prime chances.

Securing tickets is not guaranteed. Book via Jasumo by venue deadlines (e.g., Nov 5, 2025, for Tokyo) for official ¥8,500 pricing to avoid resales. For travel planning, we can coordinate with regional tourism boards.

Reviews

• “Seeing Sadao Watanabe conduct and play with a full orchestra was an incredible episode of Japanese jazz history—unmissable music.”
• “The ‘California Shower’ performance brought back so many good memories; the band sounded tight and the energy was fantastic.”
• “The sound quality at the concert hall was perfect, letting every note of the saxophone and the accompanying group shine through clearly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any remaining tickets for the Tokyo “EPISODE” performance?

The general sale for the December 7th Bunkamura Orchard Hall performance is currently listed as “Scheduled number sold out.” However, we can check for any last-minute resale windows or cancellations closer to the date.

How do the Student Tickets work for the tour?

Student tickets (or U-25 tickets) are highly discounted and require you to present a valid student ID or proof of age (under 25) on the day of the concert. The ticket must be exchanged at the venue for a reserved seat, and seating cannot be guaranteed next to companions who bought standard tickets.

Is the entire tour using the same band members?

No, the tour features different ensembles. The “EPISODE” show uses a large orchestra, while the “~California Shower~” shows use a smaller, electric group (likely featuring piano, bass, guitar, and drums), and the “~INTO TOMORROW~” show is a smaller quartet.

Are children allowed to attend any of these performances?

No, all performances listed in this tour strictly enforce a policy that “Preschool children are not allowed” to enter the venue. Fees apply for attendees aged 6 and over.

What is the deadline for the lottery applications in Fukuoka and Niigata?

The final pre-order lottery for Acros Fukuoka Symphony Hall (Fukuoka) and the second pre-order lottery for Ryutopia Concert Hall (Niigata) both have an application deadline of Sunday, November 16, 2025. Early submission through Jasumo is highly recommended.

Location