Japan Jazz & Pop Piano Competition

Michal Sobkowiak is a pianist from Poland living, performing, and teaching in Tokyo, Japan.

He is famous for playing Chopin, which is also one of my favorite composers.

I met him after I had a Pecha Kucha presentation at Cafe Deluxe in Roppongi, Tokyo.

He became a great client, and I have done numerous flyers for his performances. The latest project is the Japan Jazz Pop Piano Competition (JJPP). I enjoy these design jobs because they need to be both outrageous and informative. In Japan, flyers always need to have a map with detailed directions. They usually contain a lot of information about what to expect at the event, biographies, and sponsors.

I remember one night I held a good-bye party at the house in Sasazuka, Tokyo. He arrived late and as always with a hand full of exciting friends. The house has a grand piano. Ida wanted to sleep, so he opened the grand piano’s lid and played only the strings. It was truly unique, but Ida woke up anyway.