AKIRA TANA and OTONOWA

Otonowa performing in Osaka, October 2016
Osaka, October 2016
201 performances & projects documented

ABOUT OTONOWA

Songs remembered. Communities renewed.

In the wake of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Otonowa grew into a long-running exchange through music. Familiar Japanese melodies open into contemporary jazz, creating new connections in every place the ensemble visits.

Read about Otonowa

SINCE OCTOBER 2026

Where the circle continues

Oct 25 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Kumamoto: Music Park Cafe at Heisei Collage of Music

令和8年 熊本地震 復興支援ジャズライブ 〜 音楽の力で、御船町に笑顔とエールを!

Oct 26 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Minami-Aso: Nagano Aso Shrine

Special guest: Osamu Koganei (guitar & vocals)

Oct 27 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Kesennuma: Tunakan

Oct 28 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Rikuzentakata: h.IMAGINE

Oct 29 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Ofunato: Koyokan

Joint concert with Sand Pipers Orchestra

Oct 30 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Otsuchi: Namiita Coast Village

Special Guest: Takahiro Dai (trumpet)

Oct 31 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Otsuchi: Oshacchi

Special Guest: Takahiro Dai (trumpet)

Oct 31 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Otsuchi: Marumaru Yokochō

Special Guest: Takahiro Dai (trumpet)

Nov 2 2026
Otonowa Japan Tour 2026

Tokyo: Daikanyama Hare-Mame

Nov 7 2026
Workshop

Make Music, Make Change with Akira Tana and Otonowa

Starts 4:00 PM Ends 5:00 PM

In the first half of the workshop, participants will learn how Otonowa formed to help with fundraising and awareness efforts in Tohoku, and how participants can channel their own life experience and musical background to help with social justice causes. In the second half, Akira will overview how Otonowa turns a specific Japanese folk or pop song into a jazz tune that they play regularly. Participants are welcome to bring their own instruments and learn a new tune (melody and chord sheets will be provided), and also try out a few traditional Japanese instruments (woodwind/reed). Participants are encouraged to think about what tunes they might adapt into a jazz piece, and to experiment with instrumentation.

$50 registration

PRESS

What people are saying

“Akira Tana’s wonderful group is truly doing something very special here and it is a fine example of how music can break down cultural barriers and expose the commonality within us all.”

Jazz Inside

“The quartet has created a gorgeous body of music interpreting traditional and contemporary Japanese melodies through the lens of jazz.”

San Jose Mercury News

“Performance seemed love-filled and compassionate. At times it felt like a lullaby; no wonder the children slept. It was exquisite.”

San Jose Mercury News