Live Music Evenings at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park: J'z Craze and ARK BRASS at Yube

Running year-round, this musical series presents a diverse range of concerts centered on classical music, including orchestral works, chamber music, and traditional Japanese instruments. Organized by Toshima City, the project offers visitors a chance to wind down after taking in local theater or shopping. Guests can stop by the open-air theater for an evening of live music. The series runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

On October 14, the jazz trio J'z Craze—featuring Sachio Hotokezaka on trumpet, Kazuki Abe on guitar, and Hikaru Kirisawa on bass—will take the stage. Their scheduled repertoire includes Piazzolla's "Libertango," Chopin's "Tristesse" (Étude Op. 10, No. 3), Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," and Rodrigo's "Aranjuez & Spain." Blending instruments across distinct musical backgrounds, the trio breathes fresh energy into familiar melodies.

On October 21, ARK BRASS performs with a lineup of trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba, joined by percussion and piano. The planned program features popular cinematic pieces, including the Main Title from "Star Wars: A New Hope," "Hedwig's Theme" from "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," and a brass quintet excerpt from "My Neighbor Totoro." Visitors can choose their date based on these contrasting musical styles and ensemble formats.

Checking Dates and Preparing for Your Visit

Both featured performances are scheduled from 18:00 to 19:00. Events are generally held on Wednesdays starting at 18:00, though times may vary depending on the program. Performers, setlists, and song orders are subject to change, so please check the latest details for each specific concert before you go.

According to Toshima City's guidelines, admission is free with unreserved seating, and no advance booking is required. Roughly 280 seats are available, though some programs may charge an admission fee, so please verify details for your chosen performance date. Visitors in wheelchairs who do not require a standard seat are asked to notify the reception desk upon arrival.

Because these are open-air events, concerts may be canceled in the event of rain. Performance status updates are posted on the official Toshima City website at 12:00 noon on the day of the event. If a concert goes ahead in rainy conditions, umbrellas are not permitted, so please bring a raincoat or poncho. Photography, video recording, and audio recording from audience seating are strictly prohibited.

To reach the venue, walk 1 minute from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station (JR Lines, Tobu Tojo Line, and Seibu Ikebukuro Line). From the Tokyo Metro lines, it is a 1-minute walk from Exit 2a.