In 2013, Shinichi Ishizuka created the manga series Blue Giant, which focuses on the world of jazz. The series gained a lot of praise and even got a film adaptation in 2023. So, when the Montreux Jazz Festival Japan needed someone to design their 2024 visuals, they turned to Ishizuka. The festival unveiled the visual on August 2nd, showcasing his unique artistic style.
The festival is scheduled to take place at the Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on December 7th and 8th. The lineup includes legendary artists like Herbie Hancock, Yoko Kanno SEATBELTS, Bialystocks, Wonk, Tomoak Baba Electiric Riders Special Guest: BIGYUKI, and Makoto Ozone Trio. Ticket prices range from 13,000 yen to 90,000 yen (about US$90 to US$623).
Ishizuka’s Blue Giant manga originally ran in Big Comic from May 2013 to August 2016, spanning 10 volumes. He then launched a sequel manga called Blue Giant Supreme in September 2016, which ended in April 2020. Following that, he started a new sequel manga titled Blue Giant Explorer in May 2020.
The anime film adaptation of Blue Giant premiered in Japan in February 2023, with GKIDS screening the film in North American theaters in October 2023. The film was later released on Blu-ray Disc and digital platforms on April 30th.
Overall, Ishizuka’s work on Blue Giant has garnered widespread acclaim, and his collaboration with the Montreux Jazz Festival Japan is sure to bring a unique and artistic touch to the event. Fans of jazz music and Ishizuka’s creations will undoubtedly be excited to see his visuals at the festival this December.
