The HAM JAM

A monthly live-band jam at Cedar’s in Sakae. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, or just turn up and see what happens.

Nagoya's Monthly Jam Session

The HAM JAM is a monthly open jam session held at Cedar’s Music & Drink in Sakae. The name comes from drummer and founder Adam Demby, affectionately known as “The Hamster” for his fast, energetic playing style. The nickname stuck, and so did the jam.

Held on the fourth Friday of every month, it brings together singers, players, regulars, first-timers, and people who are perfectly happy to stay near the bar and let somebody else do the brave part. It is open, social, and loose in the right way.

The current version of the jam has been running since 2023, carried forward by a host team of experienced local musicians. The atmosphere is welcoming, the house players know how to hold things together, and the whole night vibes because it gives people a way to join in without making a production out of it.

How It Works

Each HAM JAM has a monthly song list, usually with around 20 to 25 songs, that people can join on the night. That gives the session some shape and makes it easier for people to jump in, even if they have never been before.

If there is something else you want to perform, that can still happen too. The basic idea is simple: talk to the hosts, find people who want to join, and see if it fits the night.

You can bring your own instrument, or use one of the instruments available at the venue. You can sing, sit in, play with other people, perform something more prepared, or just come for the music and the atmosphere.

What to Expect

Doors open at 19:30 and the jam runs from 20:00 to 23:00, with the bar staying open later.

The night usually moves between familiar songs, strong singers, rotating players, and the occasional moment where something unexpectedly good comes together in a room full of people who did not arrive as a band. That is part of the appeal.

It is open to a mix of styles rather than one narrow lane. Pop, rock, soul, standards, Japanese songs, crowd-pleasers, and whatever else makes sense on the night all tend to find their way into the event.

Why People Like It

Because it is one of those rare events that is actually easy to join.

You do not need to commit to a band. You do not need to know everyone already. You do not need to arrive with a big plan. You can just show up, get the feel of it, and decide how involved you want to be.

And because it happens every month, it has become the kind of recurring night that people can actually build around instead of just vaguely meaning to check out someday.

Good For

• Musicians who want to play without joining a formal band
• Singers who want a live backing-band atmosphere
• People who like social music nights more than standard gigs
• First-timers who want to watch before jumping in
• Anyone looking for a regular international community music night in Nagoya

The Details

The HAM JAM
Venue: Cedar’s Music & Drink
Date:
Every fourth Friday
(Check the Facebook group)

Times:
Doors 19:30
Jam 20:00–23:00
Venue closes late

Price: ¥2,000
(One drink included)

Cedar's Music & Drink

Address:
GK Building
3-11-13 Sakae
Naka-ku, Nagoya
Aichi 460-0008

Cedar's Website: cedars-nagoya.com

Access

By Subway / Train:
Take the Higashiyama Line or Meijo Line to Sakae Station (H10 / M05). From Exit 8, Cedar’s is about a 5-minute walk.

Using the Nagoya Japan Muicipal Subway System

This simple map and explanation will help you understand the Nagoya Subway system and some money-saving tips!

Nagoya BuzzNagoya Buzz

MAP

Follow / Latest Updates

Instagram: @thehamsterjam Facebook Group: The Ham Jam on Facebook

Song lists, date confirmations, and host announcements go out through the Facebook group before each session.

Click HERE for more on Nagoya's International Community

Note: This listing is maintained by NAGOYA BUZZ.
To suggest an update or correction, contact us.