Koto and Jiuta shamisen Player
Los Angeles, CA
Yoko Awaya is one of the leading Koto artists in Southern California who has concertized in major cities throughout the United States. She was also featured in many motion pictures and in the studio recordings for Walt Disney World.
Koto and Shamisen Ensemble
Los Angeles, CA
The Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory (Awayakai) was founded in 1975 in Los Angeles by Yoko Awaya, a koto and jiuta sangen instructor and performing artist.
Koto and Jiuta shamisen Player
Los Angeles, CA
Saeko Kujiraoka began studying the Ikuta technique of Koto playing in Tokyo, Japan. She received an advanced degree in Koto, Sangen, and classical singing from the Michio Miyagi School of Koto in Japan.
Koto, Jiuta shamisen, and Shinobue Player
Los Angeles, CA
Born and raised in the Tohoku area in Japan and having lived in Tokyo as well, Kozue is now based in the Los Angeles area.
Tsugaru shamisen Player
Los Angeles, CA
Mike Penny has received numerous awards for his innovative compositions and performances using the Tsugaru Shamisen.
Tsuzumi and Nagauta/Yamatogaku-style shamisen Player
Los Angeles, CA
Born and trained in Japan, Mariko Watabe is one of the foremost experts in theatrical Kabuki style music and dance.
Traditional Japanese Music Troupe (Tsuzumi, Vocals, and Shamisen)
Los Angeles, CA
Fuji Japanese Music is a traditional Japanese music troupe founded and headed by instructor Mariko Watabe. Troupe focuses on Shamisen and voice for Nagauta and Yamatogaku and Hayashi.
Koto and Jiuta shamisen Player
Oakland, CA
Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, a fourth generation American of Japanese descent. Her mother is a respected head of the Chikushi Kai in Fukuoka, Japan.
Koto, Shakuhachi, and Shamisen Player
Oakland, CA
Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, an American of Japanese and Chinese descent, won the "Grand Prix" award for achieving the highest scores on his teaching examinations from the Sawai Soukyokuin Koto Conservatory in Tokyo, Japan in July 2006, surpassing many Japanese native candidates.
Japanese Folk Music and Dance Group
Sacramento, CA
Tsubaki Ensemble is a Japanese folk music and dance group based in Sacramento California.
