Press release | ERG Media is proud to announce the forthcoming release of Jazz Kissa: The Soul of Japanese Listening Culture, an immersive photographic exploration of Japan’s iconic jazz cafés, known as Jazz Kissa. The book is the result of over fifteen years of dedicated work by photographer and cultural historian Katsumasa Kusunose, who has meticulously documented these intimate spaces and the people who keep their spirit alive.
The first cafés dedicated to playing recorded jazz opened in Japan in the late 1920s, reflecting the country’s early fascination with Western culture and music. Although many closed during World War II, the postwar period saw Jazz Kissa return in even greater numbers, spreading across Japan as quiet sanctuaries for dedicated listening. Uese spaces preserve an almost spiritual relationship with sound—slow, immersive, and deeply intentional—in a world where music has become increasingly disposable and attention fragmented.
Each Jazz Kissa is built around rare vintage audio systems, towering speakers, and meticulously curated vinyl collections. Woven through- out the book is a special exploration of the design of the Hi-Fi equipment―from the legendary Altec A7s to iconic JBL speakers and bespoke amplifiers—revealing how the physicality of these machines shapes the emotional experience of listening. The aesthetic choices of these cafés are inseparable from the sound they produce, making them both temples of music and showcases of design excellence.
The book features a foreword by Devon Turnbull, founder of Ojas, whose handcrafted speakers and installations have become touch- stones of the modern listening movement. His words connect the philosophy of Jazz Kissa with today’s global resurgence of high-fidelity audio culture.
Printed on specially sourced Japanese paper inspired by the texture of Altec A7 speakers and wrapped in a traditional OBI strip, Jazz Kissa is both a cultural document and a beautiful object in its own right.
The book will be released in limited editions through select global retailers and www.erg.media.
Specifications
Designed and published by ERG Media
Cover Material: hardcover
Page Count: 336 pages
Number of Illustrations: over 300
Language: English
Dimensions: 24,8x35,5 cm
Weight: 2,2kg
Author: ERG Media
ISBN 978-90-835320-0-4
Published in 2025
About ERG Media
Founded in 2017 by Ted Gushue, ERG Media has evolved from a media agency and production company into a globally recognised publish- ing house. Named after Ted’s initials, Edward Ronald Gushue, ERG Media specializes in producing culturally resonant narratives that span luxury, automotive, fashion, and lifestyle.
In 2022, ERG Media launched its publishing imprint, cementing its reputation for producing high-caliber books. Each publication reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, featuring exceptional photography, meticulous layouts, and sophisticated design. From concept to com- pletion, ERG Media handles every aspect of production in-house, en- suring seamless execution and uncompromising quality.
Signature publications, such as Artifacts (a deep dive into Porsche’s historic archive) and the sold-out Type 7: Volume 4, have set new benchmarks for storytelling excellence. The company also creates premium city guides, with editions for Tokyo and Milan that blend local expertise with ERG Media’s signature aesthetic.
For further info: to ERG Media website
