Japan Jazz Nights: Celebrating 50 Years of Australia–Japan Friendship

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, the icons of the current jazz scene in Japan are touring Australia, showcasing the beauty and creativity of Japanese culture and uniting with friends in Australia in creating music for tomorrow.

With thanks to the Japan Foundation, AIJF Presents is proud to bring Japan Jazz Nights to Adelaide, with one show only featuring BIGYUKI

BIGYUKI

Born in Japan, BIGYUKI is a New York-based keyboardist, synthesiser virtuoso, and composer who has become one of the most influential forces in the modern jazz and hip-hop scenes. Originally classically trained in Japan and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has developed a unique sound that seamlessly blends jazz harmony, soulful melodies, and heavy hip-hop beats with cutting-edge synthesis.

His groundbreaking "one-man band" style—simultaneously commanding massive synth basslines and intricate textures— has made him a primary collaborator for musical icons. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, Lauryn Hill, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Notably, his distinctive touch can be heard on A Tribe Called Quest’s final album and Snarky Puppy’s Grammy-winning projects.

As a solo artist, BIGYUKI’s albums, including Reaching for Chameleon and Neon Chapter, have received critical acclaim for pushing the boundaries of instrumental music. He continues to headline major festivals worldwide, acting as a sonic architect who bridges the gap between tradition and the futuristic soundscapes of tomorrow.

Joining BIGYUKI on stage are Randy Runyon on guitar and Jharis Yokley on drums.

LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT.

Banner photo credit: Rie Kose

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Opening band: Alexander Flood

Leading his band from the drum chair, Flood’s music pushes a fresh rhythmic and dynamic realm of live dance music leaning on nu-jazz, house, broken beat, DnB, and experimental sounds. Flood’s live band delivers hard-hitting dance energy from start to finish with tight masterful drums, big bottom bass, lush keyboard harmony, and floating jazz flute melodies. The group has toured Europe, the UK, NZ, Australia and India, as well as releasing Flood’s bold new record ARTIFACTUAL RHYTHM via Atjazz Record Company in 2025.

In this opening performance for BIGYUKI, Flood is joined by Cooper Peoples on sax and flute, David Goodwin on keyboards and Jack Strempel on keybass.

Photo credit: Will Hamilton-Coates

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About the venue

Oddio is a spacious wine bar operating out of a heritage-listed church in Bowden, just north-west of the city. It is proudly home to 3 fabulous South Australian winemakers: Delinquente, Frederick Stevenson and Giovanni Armani Giorgio. If you love the wine you try there, you can buy some to take away.

There’ll be scrumptious food available to purchase from 5.30pm, so come for an early supper and dance it off as the sun sets.

Parking is limited but getting there by public transport is easy – it’s a 7 minute walk from Bowden train station or 10 minutes walk from the Entertainment Centre tram stop.

Contact the host of AIJF Presents: Japan Jazz Nights - BIGYUKI