Japan's jazz community - both musicians and audience - has been begrudgingly recognised for its talent, knowledge, and level of appreciation. Underpinning this tentative admiration, however, has been a tacit agreement that, for cultural reasons, Japanese jazz 'can't swing'. This title explores the true and legitimate nature of Japanese jazz.

"This is a powerful gem of a book. Atkins's mixing of voices is wonderful and his scholarship impressive. Moreover, his complex argument is communicated in language that is straightforward, engaging, and compelling."--Christine Yano, University of Hawaii, Manoa