We spoke to Yoshiaki Sawano, who runs the jazz label "Sawano Kobo," which started as a hobby, about its appeal.

Born in 1950 as the fourth-generation eldest son of a shoe store owner in Shinsekai, Osaka, he initially took over the family business. However, his passion for jazz led him to establish Sawano Shokai in 1980, starting the production, import, and sale of reissued records. In 1998, he began producing original CDs, which led to the current Sawano Kobo.

Name: Yoshiaki Sawano

The "space" between notes is what makes the difference between individual performers. It's that subtle difference—the "space" between notes—that makes the difference between individual performers. Why not give it a listen?

Having heard that he was the head of a jazz label celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and also the fourth-generation owner of a shoe store in Tsutenkaku, Osaka, I had, rather rudely, imagined a difficult person. Like the taciturn yet dignified master of a jazz café. But when Yoshiaki Sawano appeared, he was the complete opposite. "I get that a lot," he said with a gentle smile.

"But I guess that's the impression people have of jazz. That it's difficult or incomprehensible. Critics always say complicated things, too. I myself have always approached it with the mindset of 'If it sounds good, that's all that matters,' and when I took this job, my first goal was to broaden the appeal of jazz."

His passion for audio equipment in high school led him to discover jazz in his search for great sound, eventually becoming such a collector that he bought up every jazz record available in Japan. But even that wasn't enough, so he expanded his collection to Europe and began working on reissues of classic albums. And finally, he launched his own jazz label, Sawano Kobo.

The first jazz album I ever bought was Oscar Peterson's masterpiece, "Please Request." It all started with that one album. The other album I bought was also by Peterson, but recorded in Germany. I was amazed by the sound quality, and it opened my eyes to European jazz.

"I guess I have a strong desire to learn about things I don't know. At first, I wanted to listen to good sounds that other people were listening to, then I wanted to listen to things that other people weren't listening to, and finally I thought, 'I should just create it myself,'" he says without hesitation. He then describes the appeal of jazz as "music of discovery."

"Even if it starts off as a simple, unassuming listen, if you approach it with a sense of curiosity and listen to various things, you'll notice so much. Even with the same song, you'll discover something new each time you listen to it compared to 10 years ago, and that's why you keep listening. That's what gives it depth."

You can understand this by listening to CDs produced by Mr. Sawano. Even beginners will find it easy to listen to, and a world of depth will unfold. Somehow, his personality seems to emerge.

Founded in Denmark in 1933, Viefa offers audio that can be enjoyed not only for its sound quality but also for its design. Like jazz, it's audio that becomes an integral part of everyday life.

VIFA speakers: Left: "Helsinki" ¥61,560, Center: "Reykjavik" ¥35,640, Right: "Oslo" ¥73,440

"I call it 'being pulled in the ear,' meaning that even if you're listening unconsciously, a single sound or melody somehow catches your attention. Nowadays, you can hear jazz playing in izakayas and ramen shops. Jazz definitely fills those spaces. But if you become aware of it, I think you'll find it even more interesting."

After work, on his way home, Mr. Sawano always makes a point of stopping at one particular place: his listening room, where he has installed his prized audio system. He spends two hours there every day, enjoying his own moment of bliss.

"I listen to music while I'm working, but this is purely for my private time. I really immerse myself in the sound. Sometimes it's so relaxing that I even fall asleep."

These are all CDs that Mr. Sawano highly recommends. They offer a unique and diverse world of sound, and the album covers are also full of style. They have a charm that digital downloads lack.

(Clockwise from top right) Tonu Naiso Trio 'My Back Pages', Yasushi Nakamura 'Hometown', Alessandro Galati Trio 'Cold Sand', Michael Naura Quintet 'European Jazz Sounds', Elmer Brass Trio 'Brassavi!', Giovanni Mirabassi (piano solo) 'Avanti!', 2,571 yen each.

CDs released by Sawano Kobo bear a sticker that reads "hand made JAZZ." This is because, from planning and production to liner notes, jacket design, and even the final shipping, every step of the process is handled by Mr. Sawano himself. As a result, when a CD hits the shelves, it feels "like a daughter being married off." It truly is handmade jazz.

This autobiography is filled with the charm of "Sawano Kobo" and its creator, Yoshiaki Sawano.
"The Story of Sawano Workshop" Author: Yoshiaki Sawano 2,700 yen

*All prices include tax.

Inquiries: Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence
03-3352-1111 (main representative)
For inquiries via email, please click here.