Haruki Murakami’s Jazz at Peter Cat: a Japanese Jazz Night

Experience an immersive reimagining of the literary icon's historic Tokyo jazz club in this rare concert featuring performances from iconic Japanese jazz bands.

Music has always been at the core of Haruki Murakami’s work and life. Describing his writing style as 'kind of a free improvisation', he's conjured up hundreds of moments in his stories where music presents an enchanting soundtrack for the scene, defining character, and opening new doors of imagination. Murakami ran a Tokyo jazz club from 1974 to 1981, which he named Peter Cat after his pet.

Step into a Japanese listening club, hearing reinterpreted classics that formed Murakami’s literary universe ft. performances by Junko Onishi Trio, Sachi Hayasaka / TReS and Yoshio Suzuki’s The Blend with Kosuke Mine, Keisuke Nakamura, Hakuei Kim,Tamaya Honda. Yoshio Suzuki, the renowned jazz bassist and composer, passed away peacefully on 23 Sep 2026 following an illness. This performance will go ahead with the four remaining members of The Blend.

We are deeply sad to announce that Yoshio Suzuki, the renowned jazz bassist and composer, passed away peacefully on 23 September 2026, at the age of 80, following an illness. Yoshio Suzuki was a highly respected figure in Japanese jazz, presenting numerous original compositions throughout his career and establishing a distinctive musical voice of his own.

THE BLEND’s remaining performances scheduled for 2026, including its appearance at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2026 on 21 November, will go ahead with the four remaining members: Kosuke Mine - saxophone, Keisuke Nakamura - trumpet, Hakuei Kim - piano, and Tamaya Honda - drums.

Before his passing, Yoshio Suzuki entrusted the following message to the members of THE BLEND: “Each of you is a wonderful musician, capable of carrying on the music and spirit of THE BLEND even without its leader. I’m counting on the four of you!”

We are deeply grateful for Yoshio Suzuki’s support for the Festival and for the music he shared throughout his remarkable career. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, fellow musicians and all those who knew and loved him. Saturday:The matinee performance begins at 5pm The evening show begins at 8.30pm

Sunday:The performance begins at 2pmPlease note:Haruki Murakami will not be appearing in the show in person, but has graciously given his blessing for it to take place.

All contemporary concerts may contain flashing lights and haze - please contact box office for more information, if required.

Programme

Junko Onishi Trio
Sachi Hayasaka / TReS
Yoshio Suzuki’s The Blend with Kosuke Mine, Keisuke Nakamura, Hakuei Kim and Tamaya Honda