About this website

In this website, you can take a look at videos and images of performers playing tunes, playing techniques and preparation for playing which cannot be seen in ordinary concerts. Besides that, you can also find sound files of the native pronunciation of each musical instrument’s name. In addition, this site includes sound files of native greetings, introductions of elementary school life and brief introductions of each country and ethnic people.

The Koizumi Fumio Memorial Archives, author of this site, has preserved music research materials which were collected by the late Professor Fumio Koizumi in almost 40 countries. You are also recommended to visit this archive’s website.

The production of the Asian musical instrument encyclopedia is mainly based on the researches below.

1. Development and utilization of an ethnic music multimedia database to promote cross-cultural understanding (Head researcher: Prof. TSUGE Gen’ichi, Inaugural Director of KFMA (See the following grant section 1)
2. Development of educational resources using musical instruments preserved at arts universities.

It was carried out from 2006 to 2008 founded by a subsidy from the Japanese Ministry of Education. Head researcher: Prof. UEMURA Yukio, Tokyo University of Arts., second director of KFMA.

Collaborative researchers: IWASAKI Makoto (Tokyo University of the Arts), KOMODA Haruko (Musashino Academia Musicae), MORI Taro (Kunitachi College of Music), NAKAMIZO Kazue (Kunitachi College of Music), ODAKA Akiko (KFMA), TAKAKUWA Izumi (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), TAKEUCHI Jun’ichi (The University Art Museum). TANAKA Takako (Kyoto University of Education) *Positions and affiliations are as of production.

We received support from the following organizations in the creation of this website. Many thanks must go to their support.

1. Matsushita Visual and Auditory Education Research Foundation in FY 2002,
2. Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B2) in FY 2006,
3. Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Results Dissemination Promotion Expenses in FY 2009,
4. Discretionary Expenses of the President of Tokyo University of the Arts in FY 2010,
5. Tokyo University of the Arts x Crowdfunding (April 6, 2017 – June 30, 2017),
6. Geidai Friends Sponsorship (FY 2017, FY 2021),
7. Tokyo University of the Arts Music Department Chorus Association Grant,
8. Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Arts Promotion (FY 2017, FY 2021).”

Before authoring the Asian musical instrument Encyclopedia, we surveyed the opinions of more than 700 elementary and middle high school teachers in Japan. Including them, many people have helped us to produce this website. We would like to sincerely thank them again.

Website Planning and Production

[General Planning]

Koizumi Fumio Memorial Archives, the Center of Creative Inheritance for the Future at the Tokyo University of the Arts

[Commentary Writing and Editing] *Positions and affiliations are as of production.

UEMURA Yukio (Director of KFMA), KOMODA Haruko (Musashino Academia Musicae), ODAKA Akiko (KFMA), MATSUMURA Chikako (KFMA), SAITO Mitsuru (Yamaguchi Prefectral University), SATAKE Etsuko (KFMA), TAKI Tomoya (Tokyo University), TANAKA Takako (Kyoto University of Education), YAMAMOTO Hanako (Nihon University)

[Design]

ABE Sayaka, AOKI Risa, KUBO Hitoshi, MŌRI Miharu, ŌHARA Takayoshi, SUENAGA Riria, YAMAGATA Issei

Original Website Design Concept & Development (as of March 2011)]

NAGAI Masayuki (First Linkage Co., Ltd.)

YOSHIOKA Masakazu (First Linkage Co., Ltd.)

OGAWA Tomoyuki (554 Co., Ltd.)

Tokyo Kankan Co., Ltd. *Website Design Cooperation

Website Design Development (current version)

ŌHARA Takayoshi

About the copyright of this website

1. All rights are reserved by the Koizumi Fumio Memorial Archives.
2. We politely request users not to alter, reproduce or distribute the downloaded data.
3. Every movie on this site was shot for the exclusive use of this site. We have reserved each performer’s consent on the assumption that we restrict the use of these materials to streaming media on our website and that we will not make any secondary use of the material.
4. We also have received the permission of every video’s author to use them on this website.

Introduction of Performers

Names in alphabetical order, titles and positions as of January 2009.

After the arrow mark the name of the instrument(s) or performance in charge and the genre name in parentheses follow.

[Japan]

FUJITA Kazuya ⇒nōkan (hōgaku-bayashi）, shinobue (hōgaku-bayashi）, chappa (hōgaku-bayashi）
Graduated from the Tokyo National University of the Arts. Learned Japanese flutes under HŌSEI Haruhisa and HŌSEI Haruo (WAKAYAMA Taneo, the grand master of Edo satokagura).  He teaches kabuki–bayashi and matsuri–bayashi.

FUJITA Takanori ⇒ nōkan (nō)
Nōkan player, fue-kata of the Issō school. Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts. Studied under his grandfather, the late FUJITA Daigorō  (living national treasure, person of cultural merit) and his father, FUJITA Jirō. In 1997, he made his first stage performance at the “Seiōbo”. He has been active in many stages such as “Shakkyō“, “Dōjōji“, and “Shōjōmidare“. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association.

FUNAKURA Shōichi  ⇒ shinobue, nōkan (hōgaku-bayashi）
Graduated from the specialization course in Japanese music, Tokyo Universiy of Arts, with M. A. in 2008. Currently a member of the Wakayama Taneo Shachū and actively performs for theatrical performances at Shinbashi Enbujō, and also in the TV programs etc.

HASEGAWA Aiko  ⇒ koto (jiuta-sōkyoku)
Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Part time lecturer at an affiliated high school of ibid university and Nihon Fukushi University, Member of Miyagi Ensemble, Yamato city Educational committee member. Released a solo album of koto ‘Shirabe’ form British ARC in 2004.

HASEGAWA Makoto   ⇒shamisen (jiuta)
Started the koto at the age of nine. In 1994, graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, in 1997 completed master’s programs at the same school (Master of Music). He participated in musical tours in U.S., Germany, Cote d’Ivoire, Nepal and Korea etc. Member of Miyagi Koto Association and Japan Music Education Society.

HAYASHIYA Kinuyo ⇒ shamisen (kamigata rakugo）
Apprenticed to Hayashiya Somemaru the 4th and studied the vaudeville shamisen, since 2005, she has been active as a shamisen performer in kamigata rakugo. Member of the Kamigata Rakugo Society.

HAYASHIYA Somejaku ⇒ rakugo, narimono, dance (kamigata rakugo)
In 1992, became a disciple of HAYASHI Somemaru the 4th. In 1999, with KATSURA Ayame formed a music manzai duo “Anesama Kings.” Received the Newcomer Award at the Naniwa Art Festival. He is also good at theatrical storytelling rakugo and vaudeville dancing. Since 2014, lecturer at the Kamigata Rakugo Association Musical Arts Class. Presides “Hanamaru, Somejaku Unit” etc. Belongs to Yoshimoto Creative Agency. Member of Kamigata Rakugo Society. His debayashi, theme song is”Dōzo kanaete“.

IMAI Kengyō ⇒ koto (jiuta-sōkyoku), shamisen, kokyū, biwa (heike)
Learnedthe koto, shamisen and kokyū with YOKOI Mitsue from his childhood. Also learned the Heike narrative, koto and shamisen with MISHINA Masayasu and DOIZAKI Masatomi. President of the Kokufū Ongaku Kai Foundation. Received Nagoya City Art Encouragement Award in 1999. A rare successor of the authentic Heike narrative.

KANAMORI Yoshimitsu　⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite-kata of the Hōshō school. KANAMORI Hidetoshi’s eldest son. In 1989, he made his first stage performance at the “Kurama Tengu” cherry blossom viewing. After graduating from the Japanese music department of Tokyo University of the Arts,he became an apprentice to HŌSHŌ Kazuhide, 20th head of school, before becoming independent. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association. Presides over the Ryō’unkai.

KATSURA Asakichi　⇒ rakugo, narimono (kamigata rakugo）
Became a disciple of KATSURA Yoshitomo in 1993. In addition to classical rakugo, he also performs original rakugo and English rakugo, and has many experiences performing overseas. His skill with the flute is outstanding even among kamigata rakugo performers. Published My First English Rakugo in 2011. Belongs to the Beichō Office. Member of the Kamigata Rakugo Association. His debayashi, theme song is Oedo Nihonbashi.

KAWASE Takashi ⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite-kata of the Hōshō school. Studied under HŌSHŌ Fusateru, 19th head of school, HŌSHŌ Kazufusa, 20th head of school and WATANABE Junnosuke. In 2005, he made his first stage performance at the “Ukon” as a tsure role. In 2009, graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts. He became an apprentice to HŌSHŌ Kazuhide, 20th head of the School before becoming independent.  Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association, Instructor of the 38th Hōshō Ryū yōkyoku shimai class.

KINJŌ, Hiroyuki　⇒ fue, sanba, sanshin (Okinawa)
Uta–sanshin master of Ryūkyū Classical Music Nomura School Preservation Society. He teahes the fue and kokyū in the Sasano-kai, belonging to the former organization. Completed graduate school at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. In addition to performing, he runs a workshop that makes props for kumiudui and Ryūkyū dance, and supports traditional performing arts from behind the stage.

KODERA, Masato  ⇒ taiko (nō)
Taiko player of Kanze school. Started learning nō music with KODERA Sashichi, his father at the age of five.  Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Learned the taiko with KANZE Motonobu and KANZE Motohiro. Member of Nohgaku kyokai. Co-formed Shichiju-shichinen-kai, a society of noh performers born in 1977 and  has been actively promoting nō performance.

KOJIMA, Naobumi　⇒ shamisen (nagauta）
Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts. After working as a lecturer at the same school, he became an associate professor in 2009. While teaching the younger generation, he is also actively engaged in musical performances and educational activities for the general public, striving to popularize nagauta. Member of the Nagauta Association General Incorporated Association, coterie of Nagauta-Toonkai, nagauta instructor of Tokyo Asakusa Kumiai.

KŌKETSU, Takuya　⇒ dressing bugaku “Ryō-ō” costume, sō, ryūteki, taiko (gagaku)
Received Post Graduate Acanthus Music Award upon graduation from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Studied ryūteki under UE Kenji, umai under ŌNO Tadateru, MATSUI Hokuto etc.,  and chanting under MASUYAMA Seiichirō. Adjunct education and research assistant at the same school. Member of Tokyo-Gakuso. His activities are diverse, including collaborations with artists.

KUDAKA, Saori　⇒ yuchidaki (classic Okinawan stage dancing）, makeup, hair-do, dressing
Instructor of classic Okianawan stage dancing. Graduated from the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. Founded the Association Okinawa, and strives to popularize Okinawan traditional culture (music, dance, crafts) based in France.

MIZUKAMI, Yutaka　⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite–kata of the Hōshō school. MIZUKAMI Terukazu’s eldest son.  In 1977, he made his first stage performance at the “Seiōbo” as a child role. Studied under HŌSHŌ Hideo, 18th head of school and HŌSHŌ Fusateru, 19th head of school. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association. Holder of important intangible cultural property (general designation). Coterie of shitekata Hōshō school young group Rikka-kai, presides over fellow pupil groups “Miyabi-kai” and “Kikusui-kai”.

MIURA, Masayoshi (stage name: MOCHIZUKI Takio）⇒ hogaku-bayashi instruments: kotsuzumi, okedō , kankara-taiko, mame-taiko, uchiwa-taiko, e-daiko, atarigane, matsumushi, orugōru, kin, sōban, dora, chappa, nyōhachi, rei, ekiro, mokugyo, ko-mokugyo, mokushō , kinuta, binzasara, hyōshigi.
Since 1976, appeared on various stages and in the media. There are also a variety of co-stars such as SAWAMURA Tōjurō in Yashima-kagaribi kabuki and NAKAMURA Tomijurō etc. Professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts, Hayashi music division head of Tokyo-Toonkai, lecturer for training Japanese dance  instructors course of Ministry of Education.

MIURA Motonori ⇒ dressing bugaku costume, gagaku-ensemble (biwa, hichiriki, kakko)
From childhood learnded hichiriki with his father, MIURA Susumu, also studied hichiriki and utamono under TŌGI Masasue, umai under ŌNO Tadateru. Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts, lecturer at the same school. Belongs to Tokyo-Gakuso and Pro Musica Nipponia. He has performed in many contemporary music premieres and has a wide range of activities.

NAKAMURA Hitomi ⇒ hichiriki, koto (gagaku)
Studied gagaku, hichiriki and koto under SHIBA Sukeyasu and ŌKUBO Nagao. She is a member of the Reigakusha Gagaku Ensemble, and has been performing both classical and modern pieces on gagaku instruments. Developing the musicality and performance techniques of the hichiriki, she received Matsuo performing arts rookie award in 2010.

NEGISHI Keiko ⇒ nōkan (nō)
Graduated from Musashino Academia Musicae, and the Tokyo University of the Arts with PhD. Learned the nōkan with FUJITA Jirō and ISSŌ Yōji. Participated various performances including theatrrical nō “Takayama Ukon“, Maison de la culture du Japon a Paris, France (1999) , Sagi-ryū kyōgen “Harunohi butai” (2008) etc. Lecturer at the Okayama University. Presides over Seiteki-Kai.

NISHIGAKI Kazuhiko ⇒ nagauta
From the age of 6, studied nagauta singing under his father, NISHIGAKI Yūzō, Professor emeritus of Tokyo Univesity of the Arts, the 2nd president of Tokyo-Toonkai, recipient of decorations. Received Kineya Jōkan Award upon graduation from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Coterie of Jōyōkai, Tokyo-Toonkai. Presides over the Seiwa-kai. Lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts.

OGURA Kentarō  ⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite-kata of the Hōshō school, OGURA Toshikatsu’s eldest son. Studied under HŌSHŌ Hideo, 18th head of school and HŌSHŌ Fusateru, 19th head of school. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association. In 1977, he made his first stage performance at the “Kuzu” as a child role. Lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts. Holder of important intangible cultural property (general designation). Presides over the Kishun-kai.

SANO Yuki (stage name: MOCHIZUKI Tasano)　⇒ taiko, ōdaiko（hōgaku–bayashi）
Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Since a junior high school student, learned hayashi music under MOCHIZUKI Tazae. Received her stage name from the grand master of the Mochizuki school. Awarded Ichikawa-city 24th new musician’s price (2011).

SHŌFUKUTEI Kyōjaku　⇒ narimono (kamigata rakugo）
Became a disciple of Shōfukutei Sankyō in 1998. Received the Newcomer Award at the Naniwa Art Festival. Sponsored by “Kyōwaka no Kai” etc. Belongs to Shochiku Entertainment. Member of the Kamigata Rakugo Association. His debayashi, theme song is “Kuina“.

SUMIKOMA Katsuhiko ⇒ kotsuzumi (nō)
Kotsuzumi performer of Kō school. Started kotsuzumi with SUMIKOMA Yukihide, his father at the age of 15.
Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts. Learned the kotsuzumi with the late SUMIKOMA Akihiro and SOWA Masahiro. Member of Nohgaku kyokai. Co-formed Shichiju-shichinen-kai, a society of nō performers born in 1977 and has been actively promoting nō performance.

SUZUKI Hideyuki　⇒ taiko, shimedaiko, daibyōhi, ōdaiko (hōgaku bayashi）
Born in 1982, Tokyo. After graduation from the Tokyo University of the Arts, he completed master’s programs at the same school. While in school, received Jōei Award. He learned nagauta, shamisen, and hōgaku bayashi from an early age, and began working as a hōgaku bayashi player at the age of 16. He is active in a wide range of genres other than classical music.

TAKAHASHI Norimasa ⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite-kata of the Hōshō school. TAKAHASHI Satoru’s eldest son. In 1981, he made his first stage performance at the “Kurama Tengu” cherry blossom viewing. After graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts, he became an apprentice to HŌSHŌ Hideteru, the 19th head of the school, before becoming independent. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association. In his homeown, Kanazawa, he also strives to popularize Kanazawa Hōshō. Holder of important intangible cultural property (general designation). Presides over the Kenpo-kai.

TAKAMIYAGI Sanehito  ⇒ taiko, sanshin, kokyū (Okinawa）
Uta–sanshin instructor of Ryukyu Classical Music Nomura School Preservation Society. Member of the Mae Yumi-no-kai, affiliated to the previous society. Completed graduate school at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. Received Okinawa Times Art Selection Drama/Video Division (Acting) Encouragement Award. In addition to playing musical instruments, he has a reputation as an actor who can play the roles of men and women of all ages.

TAKEDA Ōzan  ⇒ shakuhachi
Learned shakuhachi with three “Ningen Kokuhō” (living national treasures), Mr. YAMAGUCHI Gorō, Mr. KITAHARA Kōzan and Mr. YAMAMOTO Hōzan. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with M.A., and is a part time lecturer there. Member of Nihon Sankyoku Kyōkai, Yamamoto Hōzan Shakuhachi Ensemble etc. Also a very active composer and shakuhachi performer.

TAKEDA Takashi⇒ nō performances
Nō performer, shite-kata of the Hōshō school. TAKEDA Yoshinaga’s second son. At the age of 6, he became a disciple of the 17th head of the school, HŌSHŌ Kuro, and made his first stage appearance. While studying at Tokyo University of the Arts, he became a member of the Hosho-kai and Nohgaku Association. Associate professor at the same school (1995-), professor at the same university (2007-). Director of the Hōshō-kai (public corporation), and director of the Japan Noh Concert Association (corporate). Holder of important intangible cultural property (general designation). Presides over “Kiho-kai”.

TAKUSHI Keiko ⇒ sō (Okinawa）
Sō master of Ryukyu Sōkyoku Kōyokai, Ryukyu Folksong Teigenkai and Ryukyu Classical Music Tansui style preservation association. Member of the Uzagaku Restoration and performance study group. In 1987, established Takushi Keiko Sokyoku laboratory of Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai. In addition to training successors, she is actively involved in many musical performances both domestically and internationally.

TŌME Yoshiaki ⇒yubibue (finger whistle), sanshin, Ryukyu-buyō (Okinawa)
Studied Ryukyu-buyō under ARASAKI Keiko, kumiudui under  KIN Ryōshō, uta–sanshin under TOKUHARA Seibun. Received Okinawa Times Art Selection Drama/Video Division (Acting) Encouragement Award. Instructor of Ryukyu-Classical Music Nomura School Preservation Society. RyukyuOngaku Seifukai. Ryukyu dance, uchina play (plays in Okinawan language) and Ryukyu opera are particularly highly evaluated.

TOYOTAKE Rosetayū ⇒ tayū (gidayū–bushi）
At the age of 14, he studied under TSURUSAWA Shigezō the 4th and was introduced to gidayū-bushi. At the age of 17, he joined the 8th batch of trainees at the National Theater Bunraku. Studied under the TAKEMOTO Nambu Tayū 5th, TOYOTAKE Tayū the 1th, and the TOYOTA Takeshima Tayū 8th. Made his first performance at the National Bunraku Theater in 1984. Received 28th National Theater Bunraku Award Bunraku Excellence Award. Belongs to the Bunraku Association.

TSUKAHARA Katsutoshi　⇒ shamisen (nagauta）
Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts. Studied under NAKAJIMA Katsusuke of Nagauta-Toonkai. In 1993, allowed to use the name OKAYASU Yūzaburō  by the Nagauta Okayasu School. He has appeared on various radio and stage programs including Kabuki. Coterie of Nagauta-Toonkai, lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts, Osaka Asahi Culture Center, Matsuo-juku for Child Kabuki etc.

TSUKUDA Yoshitarō⇒ ōtsuzumi (nō）
Ōtsuzumi player of the Kōan-ryū. Started Learning ōtsuzumi performance under his father, TSUKUDA Yoshikatsu at his age of 10. Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts. Studied under YASUFUKU Tatsuo, living national treasure, KAKIHARA Takashi etc. Member of the Nohgaku Performers’ Association

TSURUSAWA Tōzō ⇒ shamisen (gidayū–bushi）
Became a pupil of TAKEZAWA Yashichi the 10th at the age of 11. Became a Bunraku Association research student, he took the name TSURUSAWA Seijirō, the former name of his grandfather (TSURUSAWA Tōzō). In 1978, became a disciple of TSURUSAWA Seiji. First stage performance at Asahiza in 1983. In 2011, he succeeded to the name of TSURUSAWA Tōzō the 2nd.  Received the 25th National Theater Bunraku Award Bunraku Excellence Award. Belongs to the Bunraku Association.

YAGI Chiaki ⇒ ryūteki, biwa, kakko, shōko, gakudaiko (gagaku)
Studied ryūteki and biwa under UE Chikamasa and SHIBA Sukeyasu. A member of Reigakusha. He performs classical gagaku and contemporary gagaku works both domestically and internationally. Lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts.

YAMAGUCHI Hiroshi ⇒ shamisen (Tsugaru shamisen）
Completed master’s programs in 2001, majoring nagauta–shamisen. At his age of four. Learned Tsugaru shamisen, singing, and drumming from his father YAMAGUCHI Kōji. Studied Tsugaru shamisen under YMAGUCHI Kōji and CHIBA Katsuhiro, nanbu shamisen under NATSUSAKA Kikuo, nagauta shamisen under KIKUOKA Hiroaki of Tokyo Toonkai. He performs solo concerts, recordings, and overseas performances as a Tsugaru shamisen player.

YAMAGUCHI Satoshi ⇒ shamisen (nagauta）
Studied under KINEYA Gosaburō, living national treasure and the Japan Art Academy member, KINEYA Gosasuke and KINEYA Goshū. In 2000, allowed to use the stage name, KINEYA Gosuke. Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts and adjunct education and research assistant at the same school. Coterie of Nagauta Toonkai, member of Japanese music group “Wa”.

YATSUKI Junko ⇒ dressing model of bugaku costume, shō and shōko in gagaku-ensemble
Graduated form Tokyo University of the Arts, member of the Tokyo Gakuso. Since 2016, she has taught shō and gagaku ensemble at the Department of Traditional Japanese Music,Tokyo University of the Arts as a lecturer. Also appears on the same department regular performances and 130th Anniversary Music Festival at the same school.