In 1976, the American pianist Keith Jarrett performed eight solo concerts in Japan over the course of thirteen days, an event later known as the Sun Bear Concerts. These performances, which were recorded onto ten vinyl records, include more than six and a half hours of improvised music. Each concert was unique, with Jarrett creating entirely new compositions on the spot, and none were ever repeated in the same way. This made the concerts rare and highly sought after, contributing to their almost legendary status in the world of jazz. The Sun Bear Concerts took place in Tokyo and Kyoto, with each performance held in a different venue. The recordings were initially released in Japan but later gained international recognition, becoming essential listening for fans of free jazz and improvised music. The concerts were not only significant for their musical content but also for the way they captured a moment in time, reflecting both Jarrett's creative genius and the cultural context of 1970s Japan. Philippe Séclier's book Keith Jarrett, Japan 1976 delves into this musical journey, exploring the impact of the tour through interviews, photographs, and descriptions of the locations where the concerts took place. Séclier, who has previously written about the Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini and the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, presents this as his first work of narrative nonfiction. The book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the events surrounding the concerts and their lasting influence on Jarrett's career and the broader jazz scene. The book is set to be published by the French publisher Arléa as part of their "La rencontre" collection, which focuses on cultural and artistic encounters. An excerpt from the book will be released on October 15, 2026, offering readers a glimpse into Séclier's exploration of this pivotal moment in music history. The release of the book is expected to generate renewed interest in the Sun Bear Concerts and their significance in the world of jazz.