JAZZKARATE started DJing in the early ’90s, playing jazz and drum & bass. In the late ’90s, his work behind the scenes at parties focused on deep house, Detroit techno and disco dub inspired him to reshape his own DJ style.
In the 2000s, he formed the offbeat music-and-culture crossover unit half-doors with a club manager in Aoyama, Tokyo.
Now based in Sangenjaya, Tokyo, JAZZKARATE creates eclectic sets that move freely across different musical worlds, with a light and playful approach.
In recent years, he has developed a strong fascination with Japanese music, exploring Balearic sounds exclusively through Japanese tracks in his Walearic sets. He also digs deep into his roots with groove-focused Wa-mono sets, attracting a devoted following among a niche corner of the scene.
At his home base, St. PAX CAFE in Sangenjaya, he occasionally hosts solo sessions featuring more than seven hours of Japanese music.
