In the warm sunsets of Rio de Janeiro, where the waves of the Atlantic kiss the concrete of Ipanema and verses escape between acoustic guitars, a sound was born that forever changed the history of popular music: Bossa Nova. An authentic and uniquely Brazilian expression ended up seducing the giants of American jazz, who lost themselves in the passion and quality of a genre that seemed distant but ultimately proved to be an extraordinary complement—forming one of the most striking fusions of the 20th century.

The history of jazz in Japan is a fascinating journey of cultural exchange, resistance, creative appropriation, and aesthetic renewal. Since its arrival in the early decades of the 20th century, this musical genre has undergone a process of adaptation and reinterpretation that has made it an integral part of Japanese cultural life. Through different historical stages—from pre-war modernization to the postwar era and its consolidation in international festivals—jazz has acquired a unique depth in Japan, a reflection of an appropriation that is not merely imitative, but genuinely creative.

Throughout history, various musical genres have emerged and evolved as a result of interaction and fusion between different cultures. These blends enrich the musical traditions of peoples and generate unique styles that reflect diversity and evolution. Below, we’ll explore two emblematic examples: jazz, rooted in African migration and American culture, and flamenco, shaped by Arab, Jewish, gypsy, and African influences developed in southern Spain. We’ll also trace the paths forged by two key figures in this fusion process: Paco de Lucía and Chick Corea. Additionally, we’ll highlight pivotal moments involving the legendary Miles Davis, whose influence was crucial to the development of this musical convergence.

Latin Jazz is, by definition, a genre of fusions: it combines the rhythmic richness of Afro-Cuban music with the harmonic and melodic sophistication of American jazz. This union takes place not only stylistically, but also through its instruments, which come from very different cultural backgrounds yet find fertile ground for musical dialogue.

The development of Latin Jazz—or Afro-Cuban Jazz—cannot be understood without the historic convergence of three fundamental figures: Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauzá, and Chano Pozo. Beyond their individual careers, it was the creative exchange between these musicians that sparked a new energy in modern jazz, blending the rhythmic complexity of Afro-Cuban traditions with the harmonic freedom of bebop. This article explores how their collaboration laid the foundation for a vibrant, hybrid, and deeply influential genre.