Between Reality and Dream: Swedish Jazz Meets Nō Theater

Sassa Tomoki, Spice of Life president, helped to coordinate this year’s Sweden Jazz Week.

Ulf Wakenius (left) and his group are among Sweden’s leading jazz performers.

World-renowned pianist Lars Jansson, leader of the Lars Jansson Trio, has been a driving force behind the popularity of Swedish jazz in Japan.

Isabella Lundgren (center), performing with her trio, envelopes her audience in nostalgic warmth with her sweet voice.

Sweden’s ambassador to Japan, Pereric Högberg.

Takeda Takashi proceeds slowly along the hashigakari, the bridgeway to the main stage.

Takashi (left) improvises, synchronizing his movements with Isabelle’s voice.

Takeda Isa performs the nō dance “Izutsu.”

The Sweet Jazz Trio were responsible for sparking the Scandinavian jazz boom in Japan. They have not been active since they released their last album in 2019. This time, former Sweet Jazz Trio bassist Hans Backenroth came to Japan for the Sweden Jazz Week as a member of guitarist Ulf Wakenius’ group. (Photo courtesy of Spice of Life)