Motohiko Hamase Live: Japanese Ambient Music in Shibuya
Aug 26, 2026 at 7:00pm ~ Aug 26, 2026 at 9:30pm
The bassist and composer brings fretless bass, improvisation and sequencer-driven compositions to JZ Brat on Aug. 26
Motohiko Hamase returns to JZ Brat for an evening of jazz, ambient and contemporary music on Aug. 26, 2026.
The Shibuya performance features Hamase on bass, Rei Shimizu on bass and live manipulation, and Yoichi Okabe on percussion. The set draws on improvisation, electronic sequencing and Hamase’s distinctive approach to the 6-string fretless bass.
Motohiko Hamase’s Approach to Bass and Improvisation
Hamase has worked as an acoustic and electric bassist since the 1970s. His career includes performances and recordings with musicians including Hidefumi Toki, Isao Suzuki and Yasuaki Shimizu.
His solo work later moved beyond conventional jazz structures. Fretless bass, electronic composition and improvisation became central parts of his musical language.
Several of Hamase’s recordings have also found new audiences through international reissues. Albums including Notes of Forestry, Anecdote and Technodrome were reissued by Swiss label WRWTFWW Records in 2020.
Read more about Japanese experimental music in our coverage of SEION: An Evening of Ambient Music of Japan. You can also explore MICHIYO YAGI TALON for another approach to ambient music, free jazz and improvisation.
Japanese Ambient Music Live at JZ Brat
For this performance, Hamase is joined by Rei Shimizu and percussionist Yoichi Okabe.
Sequencers allow compositions with electronic elements to be reconstructed in a live setting. Hamase’s 6-string fretless bass also leaves room for extended improvisation throughout the performance.
The concert is listed by JZ Brat under jazz, ambient and contemporary music. For more live music around Shibuya, see our coverage of As One at TRUNK(HOTEL).
Motohiko Hamase Live Event Details
Date: Aug. 26, 2026
Doors: 6pm
Start: 7pm
Expected finish: 9:30pm
Advance: ¥6,600
Door: ¥7,700
Venue: JZ Brat Sound of Tokyo, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel 2F
Address: 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku
Performers: Motohiko Hamase, Rei Shimizu, Yoichi Okabe
Ticket prices include tax. An additional service charge applies.
JZ Brat is around 5–7 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station, depending on the train line and exit.
Check the official JZ Brat schedule for reservations and current performance information. More information on Hamase’s recordings and career is available through his official artist profile.
Information
Start: Aug 26th 2026 at 7:00pm
End: Aug 26th 2026 at 9:30pm
¥6,600 - ¥7,700
