Tsugaru - Soul and Beat of Japan

TSUGARU
Soul & Beat of Japan

	Michihiro Sato Tsugaru shamisen Originally a student of Shamisen, Sato decided to learn the Tsugaru shamisen after being profoundly moved by a performance by Tsugaru shamisen legend, Chisato Yamada. Moving to Hirosaki, the birthplace of the Tsugaru shamisen, he became Yamada’s pupil. Soon after, in 1982 and 1983, Sato won the National Tsugaru Shamisen Contest, being the first performer to ever win two years running. Moving to Tokyo, Sato began to explore the possibilities of the Tsugaru shamisen through solo appearances and musical sessions in collaboration with artists from a wide range of genres. After performances in the US and Canada which won him acclaim, Sato was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship which allowed him to pursue his studies in New York, where he continued to create new ways of expression with his instrument. With activities spanning both the domestic and international arena Sato is one of the greatest Tsugaru shamisen performers and is a pioneer of a new generation of Tsugaru shamisen artists who are transforming the image of the instrument in current-day Japan.
	Michiyoshi Sato Tsugaru shamisen With musician parents, Michihiro Sato and Sachiko Kaiho, it was only natural for Michiyoshi to also become a musician. At age ten, Michiyoshi began studying the Tsugaru shamisen under the tutelage of his father. Since graduating from high school in 2005, he has been a regular performer at live Tsugaru shamisen houses and has participated in concerts around the world.
	Shozan Tanabe Shakuhachi A student of “Living National Treasure” and Grand Master of Shakuhachi, Hozan Yamamoto, Tanabe has performed around the world, after making his overseas debut at the great Carnegie Hall. He has collaborated with local and international musicians from diverse genres and has even had the honour of performing at the Vatican in front of Pope John Paul II.
	Masaki Yoshimi Tabla Since studying under such outstanding figures in tabla as Ustad Ala Rakha Khan in India, Yoshimi has performed with musicians, dancers and artists from various genres, including Indian classical music. He is an expert improviser and creates a highly melodious freewheeling rhythm with his tabla. As well as concerts, Yoshimi’s activities extend to musicals, dramas and music for television and radio.
	Sachiko Kaiho Koto In 1982, Kaiho joined Kazue Sawai, a leading figure in the koto music world, on a tour of performances in Australia. Since then, as a member of the Sawai Orchestral Ensemble, Kaiko has played in such noted venues as Suntory Hall and Osaka Symphony Hall. In 1999, she performed at a meeting of the 13th International Congress of World Confederation for Physical Therapy, which was attended by the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

*click photo to enlarge