Jozenji Streetjazz Festival

This community music festival turns downtown Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, into a stage. First held in 1991, the Jozenji Streetjazz Festival is one of Japan's largest festivals of its kind, with around 50 venues. Live performances take place throughout the city, from the zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue to building entrances, shopping streets, parks, and small plazas.

The music goes well beyond jazz, with performers of various ages and from different regions filling the streets with music of all genres. Admission is generally free. Another notable feature is the community effort behind the festival: performers and audiences come together with organizers, shopping districts and businesses that provide venues, volunteers, and many others to make it happen.

Stages are scattered throughout central Sendai, including Jozenji-dori Avenue, Kotodai Park, the area around Sendai Station, and the Aobayama area. Over 2 days, visitors can explore the city while taking in a wide range of live performances. Each year, many performers take part on the numerous stages set up downtown. In recent years, the festival has drawn more than 600,000 spectators over the 2 days, making it one of Sendai's signature music events.