Sendai PARCO2 is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a large-scale collaboration with Blue Giant, the beloved jazz manga series set in Sendai. The event, "Blue Giant × PARCO2 10th Anniversary Jazz & Art Experience," runs from September 4 (Fri) to September 23 (Wed/Holiday) and spans multiple floors of the building.
Centering on the original Sendai arc of Blue Giant (作者: Shin'ichi Ishizuka) and the currently serialized Blue Giant Momentum (作者: Shin'ichi Ishizuka / story: NUMBER 8), which is set in New York — the global heart of jazz — the collaboration creates a special space throughout the venue where visitors can experience both the "roots" and the "present" of protagonist Dai Miyamoto and the world of the series.
The program includes in-building decorations, photo spots, reproduction artwork, merchandise displays and sales, a revival screening of the Blue Giant film with a special talk show by the author, and more.
The event also ties in with the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026, featuring a free jazz live concert after closing hours — curated by world-renowned tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai — with a star-studded artist lineup.
Event Details
Venue: Sendai PARCO2 / 1F, 2F, 3F, 6F TOHO Cinemas, Sendai Station 2F Hare-machi Court
Period: September 4 (Fri) – September 23 (Wed/Holiday), 2026
Official website: https://sendai.parco.jp/event/detail/?id=37537
Blue Giant Art Exhibition & Blue Giant Limited Shop
The Blue Giant Art Exhibition is held in conjunction with the Blue Giant Limited Shop inside and around PARCO2. The exhibition features original artwork that lets visitors experience the dynamism and delicate expression of the series up close, alongside immersive installations and photo spots that draw you into the story's world. The exterior walls and elevator interiors of Sendai PARCO2 will also be decorated with the series' imagery, turning the entire building into an immersive experience.
Blue Giant Art Exhibition
- Dates: September 4 (Wed) – September 23 (Wed/Holiday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 / 1F, 2F, 3F Event Space
- Admission: Free
The Blue Giant Limited Shop, located at Sendai Station 2F Hare-machi Court, carries exclusive items only available at this event, including Art Exhibition-exclusive merchandise and reproduction artwork.
Blue Giant Limited Shop
- Dates: September 10 (Thu) – September 23 (Wed/Holiday)
- Hours: Sun–Thu: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM / Fri–Sat: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Venue: Sendai Station 2F Hare-machi Court
- Note: On September 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun), some merchandise is also planned to be sold at the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026 venue.
Special Talk Show + Blue Giant Film Revival Screening
TOHO Cinemas Sendai on the 6th floor of PARCO2 hosts a revival screening of the Blue Giant film, followed by a special talk show. Guests include Blue Giant author Shin'ichi Ishizuka and tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai — who shares a deep connection with Ishizuka and whose art resonates with the musical expression of the series. The event offers a rare opportunity to hear the creators and artists speak about the themes of the work, the story behind its making, and the appeal of musical expression.
Blue Giant Film Revival Screening with Special Talk Show
- Date: September 12 (Sat), 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (approx.) ※ Film runtime: 120 minutes
- Venue: PARCO2 / 6F TOHO Cinemas Sendai
- Guests: Shin'ichi Ishizuka, Kazunori Kumagai
- Tickets: Available at TOHO Cinemas ※ Details to be announced at a later date
Guest Profiles
Shin'ichi Ishizuka (Manga Artist)
Born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1971. He was a member of the brass band in junior high school and played in a band during college. After working as a company employee, he pursued a career as a manga artist through self-study.
His mountain rescue manga 岳 みんなの山 (Gaku: Minna no Yama) won the 1st Manga Taisho Award (2008), the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award (General Category), and the 16th Agency for Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival Manga Division Excellence Award.
Blue Giant earned 3rd place at the 9th Manga Taisho Awards (2016), the 62nd Shogakukan Manga Award (General Category), and the 20th Agency for Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival Manga Division Grand Prize.
Kazunori Kumagai (Tap Dancer)
Tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai is based in New York and active around the world. Through revolutionary sessions with a wide range of artists, his unique art continues to evolve and push tap dance into new territory.
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026 × PARCO2 Free Jazz Live
A free jazz live concert will be held after closing hours in connection with the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026 — one of Sendai's signature music events. On the special stage at Sendai PARCO2, world-class tap dancer and multi-genre performer Kazunori Kumagai curates a live performance by top-tier artists.
The lineup includes tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai, pianist Mayuko Katakura, drummer Gene Jackson, bassist Yosuke Inoue, and saxophonist Tomoaki Baba — a stellar gathering of musicians delivering an unforgettable live experience.
PARCO2 Free Jazz Live
- Date: September 13 (Sun) — Doors open 8:45 PM / Show starts 9:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 / 2F Event Space
- Admission: Free ※ Entry restrictions to be announced at a later date
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026
- Dates: September 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun), 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Venue: Approximately 50 locations in central Sendai
- Rain or shine. Start and end times may vary by venue.
- Admission: Free
- Official website: https://www.j-streetjazz.com/
Performer Profiles
Kazunori Kumagai (Tap Dancer)
A tap dancer based in New York, active worldwide. Described by the New York Times as "a true tap artist," he has received numerous international awards. Through sessions with a diverse range of artists, he pursues a singular form of expression and continues to open up new possibilities for tap dance.
Mayuko Katakura (Piano)
Born in Sendai. She honed her skills at Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School, and has performed alongside top artists in Japan and abroad. With an impressive awards record, she leads a busy career across a variety of projects, including her own trio.
Gene Jackson (Drums)
Originally from Philadelphia. He studied at Berklee College of Music before establishing himself in New York. He has performed with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and other internationally acclaimed artists. In addition to performing, he is also active in education and workshops.
Yosuke Inoue (Bass)
After building an international career based in New York, he has returned to primarily Japan-based activities. He has performed with world-class musicians including Hank Jones and is one of the leading bassists in the Japanese jazz scene, active in numerous projects at home and abroad.
Tomoaki Baba (Sax)
A full-scholarship student at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with Grammy Award-winning artists including Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin, and leads the international collaborative project "BaBaBar." He also gained attention for his performance as the protagonist of Blue Giant, and released his major debut album "ELECTRICRIDER" in 2024.
