Sendai PARCO2 (3-7-5 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi) will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a special collaboration built around Blue Giant, the hugely popular jazz manga set in Sendai. BLUE GIANT×PARCO2 10th Anniversary JAZZ&ART EXPERIENCE runs from Friday, September 4 through Wednesday, September 23 (a public holiday), 2026.
Blue Giant, created by Shinichi Ishizuka, follows the growth of protagonist Dai Miyamoto as he aims to become "the world's greatest jazz player." Centered on the Sendai arc where the story begins and the currently serialized Blue Giant Momentum (story by NUMBER 8), set in New York, the heart of the global jazz scene, the collaboration creates a special space where guests can experience both Miyamoto's roots and his present, along with the world of the series, throughout the venue.
The collaboration includes interior decorations, photo spots, an exhibition and sale of reproduction original artwork and merchandise, novelty giveaways, and a revival screening of the Blue Giant film with a talk show featuring author Shinichi Ishizuka, among several other programs.
It also ties in with the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026, with a free jazz live show after closing hours curated by Sendai-born, world-renowned tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai and featuring an all-star lineup of performers.
Enjoy this one-of-a-kind collaboration where the worlds of Sendai PARCO2, marking its 10th anniversary milestone, and Blue Giant, which likewise spread from Sendai to the world, come together.
BLUE GIANT×PARCO2 10th Anniversary JAZZ&ART EXPERIENCE
- Period: September 4 (Friday) – September 23 (Wednesday, public holiday), 2026
- Venue: Sendai PARCO2 1F, 2F, 3F, and 6F TOHO Cinemas; Sendai Station 2F Haremachi Court
- Official site: https://sendai.parco.jp/event/detail/?id=37537
- Organizer: Sendai PARCO
- Produced by: PILE Co., Ltd.
- Cooperation: Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association (public interest incorporated association)
BLUE GIANT ART EXHIBITION
Inside and outside PARCO2, the BLUE GIANT ART EXHIBITION will be held.
The exhibit offers an up-close look at rare reproduction artwork that captures the series' dynamism and delicate detail, alongside immersive staging and photo spots that draw guests into the story's world.
The experience extends across the whole building, with the world of Blue Giant "taking over" Sendai PARCO2's exterior walls, elevator interiors, and more.
BLUE GIANT ART EXHIBITION
- Period: September 4 (Wednesday) – September 23 (Wednesday, public holiday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 1F & 2F Entrance, 2F EVENT SPACE, 3F Elevator Hall, and 2 elevators
- Free admission
BLUE GIANT SPECIAL NOVELTY
At THE MOST COFFEE on PARCO2's 3F, guests who spend ¥2,000 (tax included) or more per person during the event period will receive a novelty item, while supplies last, inspired by a memorable coffee scene from the Blue Giant manga series.
BLUE GIANT SPECIAL NOVELTY
- Period: September 4 (Wednesday) – September 23 (Wednesday, public holiday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 3F THE MOST COFFEE
During the event, guests who spend ¥2,000 (tax included) or more per person at THE MOST COFFEE on PARCO2's 3F will receive, while supplies last, a "THE MOST BLEND" drip bag with a randomly selected cover design (four designs in total).
Eat-in, takeout, and in-store retail purchases all qualify; delivery orders are not eligible.
- Ends once supplies run out
- Limited to one item per receipt
- The cover design cannot be selected
- Except in the case of defects, novelty items cannot be returned or exchanged
BLUE GIANT LIMITED SHOP
The LIMITED SHOP at Sendai Station 2F Haremachi Court will offer special items available nowhere else, including ART EXHIBITION-exclusive merchandise and rare reproduction artwork bearing the author's signature.
On Saturday, September 12, a signing event with authors Shinichi Ishizuka and NUMBER 8 will also be held for the first 50 customers who spend ¥15,000 (tax included) or more during the event period.
BLUE GIANT LIMITED SHOP
- Period: September 10 (Thursday) – September 23 (Wednesday, public holiday)
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Venue: Sendai Station 2F Haremachi Court
Note: On Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, some items will also be available at the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026 venue.
Blue Giant Authors Shinichi Ishizuka and NUMBER 8 Signing Event
- Date & time: Saturday, September 12, from 3:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 2F EVENT SPACE
- Guests: Shinichi Ishizuka, NUMBER 8
- How to join: During the event period, customers who spend ¥15,000 (tax included) or more at the BLUE GIANT LIMITED SHOP in Sendai Station 2F Haremachi Court will receive a signing-event ticket, while the first 50 tickets last. Ticket holders should arrive at Sendai PARCO2 2F EVENT SPACE by the meeting time printed on the ticket.
Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and distribution ends once they run out. Please check with venue staff for ticket availability.
See the official website for further details.
Special Talk Show and Revival Screening of the Blue Giant Film
TOHO Cinemas Sendai on PARCO2's 6F will hold a revival screening of the Blue Giant film with a special talk show.
After the screening, a special talk show will feature Blue Giant author Shinichi Ishizuka alongside tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai, a friend of Ishizuka's whose art shares a deep affinity with the series' musical expression.
It's a rare chance to hear the two discuss the thoughts behind the work, the story behind its creation, and the appeal of its musical expression.
After experiencing the film's energy on the big screen, guests can dive deeper into the world of Blue Giant through the perspectives of its creator and a fellow artist, in a special program found nowhere else.
Special Talk Show and Revival Screening of the Blue Giant Film
- Date & time: Saturday, September 12, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (planned); running time 120 minutes
- Venue: TOHO Cinemas Sendai, PARCO2 6F
- Guests: Shinichi Ishizuka, Kazunori Kumagai
- Ticket price: ¥2,100 (tax included)
- Tickets go on sale: 12:00 AM on Saturday, September 5 (midnight following Friday, September 4)
- Ticket site: https://hlo.tohotheater.jp/net/schedule/078/TNPI2000J01.do
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026 PARCO2 FREE JAZZ LIVE
A free jazz live show after closing hours will be held in conjunction with Sendai's celebrated music event, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026.
On a special stage at Sendai PARCO2, guests can enjoy performances by accomplished artists curated by Kazunori Kumagai, a world-renowned tap dancer who works across the boundaries of musical expression.
The lineup brings together an all-star cast led by Kumagai, alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Mayuko Katakura, drummer Gene Jackson, bassist Yosuke Inoue, and saxophonist Tomoaki Baba — a one-of-a-kind stage where guests can feel the energy of live performance up close.
PARCO2 FREE JAZZ LIVE
- Date & time: Sunday, September 13; doors open 8:45 PM, show starts 9:00 PM
- Venue: PARCO2 2F EVENT SPACE
- Admission: Free
- Performers: Kazunori Kumagai (tap dance), Mayuko Katakura (piano), Gene Jackson (drums), Yosuke Inoue (bass), Tomoaki Baba (sax)
- Entry requirements: Admission is given, in order, to guests who join "PARCO Members" (free, same-day web sign-up available) and present the Poke-Pal coupon.
PARCO Members is a loyalty program that makes PARCO's services more convenient, rewarding, and enjoyable.
Lining up for entry:
- Line formation begins at 7:45 PM on Sunday, September 13, at the station-side entrance on PARCO2's 1F.
- Please follow staff instructions and enter the venue in order.
- Doors are scheduled to open at 8:45 PM, though the time may shift depending on conditions on the day.
Venue capacity is limited. Entry may be restricted or declined depending on crowd levels. See the official website for detailed notes.
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2026
- Date & time: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Venue: Approximately 50 locations across central Sendai
- Held rain or shine; start and end times vary by venue
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association (public interest incorporated association)
- Co-organizers: Miyagi Prefecture, City of Sendai
- Performers: Approximately 800 acts selected through open call
- Official site: https://www.j-streetjazz.com/
Kazunori Kumagai & Special Band Profile
Kazunori Kumagai (Tap Dancer)
A tap dancer based in New York who performs around the world. Praised by the New York Times as "a true tap artist," he has received numerous international awards. Through sessions with a wide range of artists, he continues to pursue a singular form of expression and push open new possibilities for tap dance.
Mayuko Katakura (Piano)
Born in Sendai, she honed her craft at Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School and has performed alongside top artists in Japan and abroad as an accomplished pianist. With numerous awards to her name, she remains active in a wide range of projects, including her own trio.
Gene Jackson (Drums)
Born in Philadelphia, he studied at Berklee College of Music before establishing himself in New York. A top drummer with a strong international reputation, he has performed with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, and is also active in education and workshops alongside his performing career.
Yosuke Inoue (Bass)
After building an international career based in New York, he now performs mainly in Japan. Having played with world-renowned musicians such as Hank Jones, he is regarded as a leading bassist in Japan's jazz scene and remains active in numerous projects both domestically and abroad.
Tomoaki Baba (Sax)
A full-scholarship student at Berklee College of Music, he has performed with Grammy-winning artists such as Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin and leads the international collaboration project "BaBaBar." He also drew attention for playing the saxophone for the protagonist of Blue Giant, and released his major-label debut album ELECTRICRIDER in 2024. He remains active both in Japan and abroad.
Related Event at Sendai Ekimae E BEANS
Special Sendai Program: "The Homecoming of BLUE GIANT"
At Sendai Ekimae E BEANS, adjacent to Sendai PARCO2, a special Blue Giant program will also be held from Friday, September 11 through Wednesday, September 30, 2026. It features a variety of programs, including a special exhibition presenting iconic scenes as large-scale graphics, sales of merchandise exclusive to this program, and a stamp rally around the city of Sendai.
Be sure to check it out alongside the main collaboration.
"The Homecoming of BLUE GIANT" official site
