Japanese Jazz, Funk and Ambient

Following the already classic Wamono A to Z trilogy, we are delighted to present an exceptional collection of jazz funk / rare groove tunes recorded in the mid-seventies at the Nippon Columbia studios by three giants of Japanese music: arranger Kiyoshi Yamaya, koto legend Toshiko Yonekawa and shakuhachi master Kifu Mitsuhashi.

Following the highly acclaimed Volume I, dig further into the Wamono sound - the cream of the Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and disco music developed throughout the years since the end of the sixties in Japan!

Dig right now into the Wamono sound - the cream of the Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and disco music developed throughout the years since the end of the sixties in Japan!

Following the highly acclaimed volumes I and II, dig further into the Wamono sound - the cream of the Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and disco music developed throughout the years since the end of the sixties in Japan!

Disco from a label that digs for Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and disco music.

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the release of Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic LP Ongaku Zukan, originally issued in Japan on his own School label in 1984. 

The ultimate collection of music from Japanese legendary saxophone player Jiro Inagaki and his Soul Media band, covering their 1968-1980 golden age.

Wewantsounds continue its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program in partnership with Teichiku Records and Meiko Kaji herself, with the release of Gincho Wataridori, her debut album from 1972.

Hideo Shiraki travelled to the US from Japan in 1962 and was bowled over by Horace Silver and the Bossa Nova Craze happening at the same time.

First Word Records is incredibly proud to bring you an exclusive vinyl-only re-issue of Takuya Kuroda’s highly-sought after album ‘Rising Son’.

Wewantsounds is proud to announce the reissue of Ryuichi Sakamoto's third solo album "Hidari Ude No Yume" (Left Handed Dream), originally released in 1981 on the Alfa label.

1982 album from Japan's visionary saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu, the man behind Mariah 'Utakata Ho Hibi'.

Home recorded on a minimal setup of keyboard and Fender Rhodes, Music for Nine Post Cards was Yoshimura’s first concrete collection of music, initially a demo recording given to the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art to be played within the building’s architecture.

Japan has produced some exceptionally talented jazz drummers and among them is Tatsuya Nakamura, who joins the BBE Music J Jazz Masterclass Series with his album 'Locus' from 1984, a session covering several bases, from heavy percussive samba to meditative avant-ambient. 

The unbelievably prolific Haruomi Hosono is one of the major architects of modern Japanese pop music. 

BBE Music continues its highly acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series with Kemo Sabe, the debut album from pianist Masao Nakajima.

It's five years since we first released Yosi Horikawa's 'Vapor' album. To commemorate the occassion, we're releasing the album on vinyl for the very first time, also including a previously unreleased bonus track, 'Yoggo'.

The continuation of reissues of Shigeo Sekitō's iconic "Sepcial Sound" series with its 4th instalment, Summertime, a radiant musical tapestry woven by the ingenious Japanese musician. 

Killer and cult shamisen electro funk from 1985 Japan! 

The respected Japanese jazz drummer Akira Ishikawa was not messing around when he recorded the 'Uganda (Dawn of Rock)' album with his band the Count Buffaloes. 

First ever reissue of this groundbreaking ambient work. 

Major reissue program of five albums by cult Japanese exploitation actress and tarantino muse Meiko Kaji (Lady Snowblood), these reissues will start with the 1973 album "Hajiki Uta" and will cover the years 1972 to 1974 with original artwork, remastered audio and new liner notes.

A stunning survey of the 1970s heyday of this great Japanese singer and countercultural icon. Deep-indigo, dead-of-night enka, folk and blues, inhaling Billie Holiday and Nina Simone down to the bone.

BBE Music is proud to present the next instalment in the J Jazz Masterclass Series: ‘East Plants’ by Takeo Moriyama, one of Japan’s finest jazz drummers.

Since 2018, BBE Music has been leading the field in reissuing rare modern jazz from Japan’s golden period spanning the late 60s to the early 80s. The J Jazz Masterclass Series continues to present the finest in Japanese jazz with 'Planets' by Masaru Imada Trio + 1.

Wewantsounds release Hiroshi Sato's ultra rare synth masterpiece, originally released in 1979 on Kitty Records in Japan only.

This compilation from BBE uncovers some of the most sought after and rare material from this period and pulls together key artists who shaped the post-war modern jazz scene in Japan.

Japanese jazz is sadly one of best-kept secret. But, it would be stupid to not discover Green Caterpillar by Masaru Imada trio + 2.

Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

Renowned around the world for his iconic sound, disco legend T-Groove teams up with one of the greatest street drummers of all time, George Kano, to form the foundation of an 18 man jazz-funk-disco experience!