Kobe Kitano is famous for its Taisho Era European mansions, but the area also has associations with jazz. Jazz music first came to Japan through Kobe because it was an international port. In 1923, the first ever Japanese jazz band was formed in Kobe. Many Jazz legends have visited Kobe including Duke Ellington and Louie Armstrong. Since 1982 Kitano has been the site of a big annual jazz festival named "Kobe Jazz Street", which takes place in autumn. All that is why you can see statues of jazz musicians near Moegi House.
Jazz Statues in Kobe Kitano
Reminders of Kobe's history of jazz music
