Jazz Kissa is an immersive photographic exploration of Japan’s iconic jazz cafés, created from more than fifteen years of work by photographer and cultural historian Katsumasa Kusunose. The book also features a foreword by Devon Turnbull, founder of Ojas, whose influence on modern high-fidelity culture provides essential context for understanding the philosophy behind these spaces.
Inside, the book captures the breadth of the Jazz Kissa tradition, from intimate listening rooms filled with rare vinyl to cafés built around vintage audio systems and towering speakers. Readers will find detailed photographs of legendary Altec A7 and JBL setups, bespoke amplifiers, and the unique interiors that give each café its character. The result is a portrait of a community that treats listening as a practice rooted in intention, patience, and design.
Printed on specially sourced Japanese paper inspired by the texture of Altec A7 speakers and wrapped in a traditional OBI strip, Jazz Kissa is produced as both a cultural document and a beautifully made object. It celebrates the cafés, the people who keep them alive, and the enduring spirit of Japanese listening culture.
