Nobuo Hara and his big band, Sharps & Flats, were instrumental in popularizing jazz in post-war Japan. Formed in 1951, the 17-member ensemble drew inspiration from American big bands like those of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Their dynamic performances and innovative arrangements captivated audiences, leading to collaborations with renowned Japanese singers such as Hibari Misora and Chiemi Eri. In 1967, they made history as the first Japanese band to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival, marking a significant milestone in their international acclaim. Throughout their extensive career, Sharps & Flats recorded over a hundred albums, blending traditional Japanese melodies with contemporary jazz elements, thereby creating a unique and enduring musical legacy. ([columbia.jp](https://columbia.jp/j-digs/artists/nobuohara.html?utm_source=openai))