Seiko Summer Jazz Camp Marks Its 10th Anniversary by Launching the "BLUE GIANT Award,” A Dream Collaboration with the Hit Jazz Manga BLUE GIANT! — New Course to Be Led by GRAMMY-Nominated Composer Miho Hazama —

BLUE GIANT is a widely loved manga centered on jazz and supported by a broad spectrum of readers and music fans. This special award, created in collaboration with BLUE GIANT publisher Shogakukan Inc., supports up-and-coming young talent who will shape the future of jazz. The recipients will be selected by author Shinichi Ishizuka and story writer NUMBER 8. The spirit depicted in BLUE GIANT—“to become the world’s greatest jazz player”—aligns with the philosophy of Seiko’s jazz camp, which is focused on developing the next generation. It is only natural for Seiko to give birth to this award in 2026, the camp’s 10th anniversary year.
An award ceremony will be held during the gala concert on the final day, with author Shinichi Ishizuka and story writer NUMBER 8 scheduled to attend and present the award to the recipient.

This story focuses on Dai Miyamoto, a young man captivated by jazz, whose passion and intensity grows as he aims to become the world’s greatest jazz player. The series began in 2013 in Shogakukan’s Big Comic, and by October 2025, had surpassed 13.7 million copies in total circulation. The animated feature film was also a major hit. Following the Europe arc SUPREME and the America arc EXPLORER, the latest New York arc MOMENTUM is currently serialized and receiving high praise.

In 2026, New York–based, internationally active composer, arranger, and conductor Miho Hazama—nominated for the Grammy Awards this year—joins the faculty as an instructor. What had previously been a half-day composition component within the curriculum will now be established as a specialized course.

This camp is a five-day program taught by world-renowned jazz musicians, where participants learn performance technique and theory, how to enjoy jazz, and ways to engage with music. Launched in 2016, the camp celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To date, a total of around 320 participants have taken part, about 80 of whom are now active as professional players. Some alumni have even made their debuts in the United States, the home of jazz. Applications will be accepted on the official website starting Monday, March 16.

- Dates: August 10-14 (Mon-Fri), 2026 — 5 days
- Venue: Shobi College of Music (4-15-9 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
- Application Period: Monday, March 16, 2026, 10:00 – Friday, May 8, 2026, 10:00
- Faculty:
- Michael Dease (Trombone, Head Instructor),
- Miho Hazama (Composition & Arranging; new from 2026),
- Yasushi Nakamura (Bass), Quincy Davis (Drums),
- Jocelyn Gould (Guitar), Dan Nimmer (Piano),
- Diego Rivera (Saxophone), Benny Benack (Trumpet),
- Alicia Olatuja (Vocal),
- Junko Moriya (Special Advisor)

※ Please use the “Contact” page on the official website.

Comments from Past Participants
・I was worried at first, but I realized that I just needed to follow the music, and begin from there.
・Participating in the camp really changed me a lot. I not only learned about how to be a better musician, but also about life.

To mark the 10th anniversary, Seiko is launching a new project, “Seiko Time & Jazz,” building on our efforts to date and aiming to further expand jazz culture. The project will go beyond the camp itself, for example, sharing a wide variety of content, including live information and reports, introductions to key players and tunes, and more. Seiko will not only offer ways to enjoy jazz, but also create a broader platform for everyone to engage with the music.