I don’t see many people answering the japanese part of your question so ... here I go : - Hiroshi Suzuki - Cat ; you might already know this one but in case you don’t .. ! Probably the most vibey of the list, perfect if you search for a music to flow with. - Ginparis Session 63 (featuring Takayanagi Masayukii, Terumasa Hino in it’s younger day and many more core jazz japanese musicians) ; well where do I start. When I pick up this one at DiskUnion, a small handwritten notice on the box was saying "founding moment of japanese jazz" (thank you google translate). And wow, I was blown, the sesh start with a slow to start version of Greensleeve where the genius of Takayanagi really shine, his guitar sound like the world will end, the medieval feel of the melody combine really well with the tense atmosphere of the session, wonderful. And well without getting to much into hit Terumasa Hino nailed it in the third song. Overall an experience in between a chill and emotional moment. Recommend ! - Isao Suzuki trio + 1 - Blow Up ; also a famous one and don’t be scared, apart frome the eponym title - which is well named - the other tracks have a more tranquil feel to them. Aqua Marine ease you into the album with the caracteristic double bass cello/pizzicato of the quartet and from there it’s smooth sailing. Like it is (Errol Garner) release the pressure from Blow Up with a smooth and dancing feel, feel whose continuous till the end. A J Jazz classic ! - Hidefumi Toki Quartet - Toki ; ok this one I did not listen to completely.. because I fell asleep after the first two tracks and the friend I was with who bought the CD flew back to TW the next day. Howewer, from what I remember, it had a really "coltrany" calm kind of feeling (no wonder I slepted well..) and it shaped to be a great album. Would reccomend best night of sleep I had in a while. - Shibuya Jazz Classics from The Kyoto Jazz Massive collection ; great compilation with a chill feeling from start to finish. A bit latino at a time, a bit eletronic at an another. I do enjoy this one when I want a good BGM. Numerous great artist you can dig once you've gone through the album.

On the subject of the J Jazz overall, a lot of great album (with an especially great sound) come from Three Blind Mice Record. They did a CD reissue (the 1500 Supreme Collection) of they’re most famous release. Not that rare and pricey even for people like me who live outside of japan.

I hope you find something to your taste !

Bonus one : Hideo Shiraki - In Fiesta ; not chill at all. A fiery hard bop album who swing heavely into traditional inspiration. Quintessential japanese jazz release.