~ Yamatogaku Since 1933~
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Classic Music ~
Yamatogaku USA has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Japanese music and culture in the United States. In celebration of our 25thanniversary and to further our global reach, we are honored to announce a special commemorative concert.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Venue: Norris Theatre, Palos Verdes, Los Angeles
Organizer: Yamatogaku USA
Special Guests
Renowned musicians from Japan will grace the event, including:
Yamato O-sho (The 3rd Head Master of Yamatogaku)
Yamato Michiju (Voice) Yamato Hisayoshiko (Shamisen and Voice)
Katada KisakuⅣ (Head of Katada School/Percussion)
Tosha Suiho (Flute) Mako Hattori (MC)
Performers and Instructors based in the U.S.
Yamato Yasoyo Yamato Shoho Yamato Kyosho
Newly Accredited Performers
Yamato Josho Yamato Kyoichiro Yamato Kyoto
Yamato Risho Yamato Housho Yamato Shoya
Additional Performers
Members of Yamatogaku North America
Members of Yamato Shoho’s group
Members of Fuji Japanese Music
Purpose of the Event
This milestone event marks a quarter-century of Yamatogaku’s artistic journey in the U.S., guided by three esteemed masters. Over the years, this refined musical tradition has inspired a new generation of accredited performers while strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the United States.
The concert will showcase five distinguished musicians from Japan, including the Grand Master of the Yamatogaku school. Attendees will witness the beauty and sophistication of this classical art form through breathtaking performances.
As part of our mission, Yamatogaku fosters cultural exchange through collaborative performances between Japanese and local musicians. This concert serves as a bridge to preserve and accurately convey the depth of Japanese music and culture, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience.
About Yamatogaku
Yamatogaku, established in 1933 by Baron Okura Kishichiro of the Okura financial group, is a shamisen-centered musical tradition with a distinctive blend of Edo-period melodies and modern Western techniques, such as harmonies, rounds, and humming. Performed mainly by female artists, Yamatogaku enriches the worlds of Kabuki and Japanese classical dance and captivates audiences worldwide.
Support the Event
We sincerely invite your support to make this event a success. Here’s how you can contribute:
Donations (We will publish your name in the program) starting at $75
Event Program Advertisements Program one-sided 1/8 size is $75
1/4 size is $150
1/2 size is $50
Full size is $1000
Or any other advice or contributions are also welcome.
Contact Information
Yamato Kyosho: (805) 477-8303 Yamato Risho: (310) 400-4707
Email: yamatogakuUSA25@gmail.com
Website: http://yamatogaku.jp (English translation available)
Yamato O-Sho Profile
Third-generation head of Yamatogaku school, Specialization: Yamatogaku shamisen Real name: Ukita Kumi, Born: February 1977
[Major Artistic Activities and Representative Works]
- First stage appearance at age 2
- Studied under father Yamato Hisamitsu (Yoshimura Isoshichi), Tajima Yoshiko, and Kiyomoto Umekichi
- Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Music, Traditional Japanese Music Department with nagauta shamisen. Received the Jōkan Prize while enrolled
- 1998: Granted the name Yamato O-sho by the Ōkura family who founded Yamatogaku
- 2008: Formed "Sakurabune" with Fujima Kanjūrō, 8th head of the Sōke Fujima school
- 2010: Received the 14th Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Foundation Award
- 2012: Succeeded as third-generation head of Yamatogaku school
- 2013: Began hosting "Ōkyōkai"
- 2014: Held succession concert as third-generation head at the National Theatre
- 2016: First Japanese performer at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death
- 2019: Held "85th Anniversary Concert of Yamatogaku Foundation" at the National Theatre
- 2020: Formed "Hōgaku Team D" with Living National Treasure Tsurusawa Tsugaju and others
- 2023: Held "90th Anniversary of Yamatogaku Foundation, 10th Anniversary of Head Succession Concert" at the National Theatre
Currently performs as Yamatogaku tate-shamisen at the National Theatre, Meiji-za, Kabuki-za and other venues, as well as overseas performances, television, radio, and composition. Has released 12 CDs from King Records.
[Representative Works] Sakurabune, Fūjō Sansai, Hatsukoi, and others
[Creative and Production Characteristics]
Views the characteristics of Yamatogaku as beautiful Japanese culture, particularly emphasizing the delicate and beautiful tone and resonance of the shamisen, while pursuing its charm and working to create music that resonates with people across generations and national borders.
[Website/SNS]
http://yamatogaku.jp/ https://www.facebook.com/yamato.ohsho
[Recognition of Activities]
https://japo-net.or.jp/1540 Recognition of excellent artists who will carry the future of Japanese traditional culture and performing arts http://hijirihajime.com/topics/2023/04/02.html Makabe Seiichi's Japanese Dance and Traditional Music Exploration Record
Participants
Katada Kisaku Profile
Traditional Japanese music performer, Head of Katada school, Specialization: Hayashi percussion Real name: Abe Hiroshi, Born: July 1967
[Major Artistic Activities]
- Born in Tokyo in 1967 as the second son of Living National Treasure Katada Kisaku
- After graduating from Meiji University in 1990, began performing under his father Kisaku • 1998: Succeeded as fourth-generation Katada Shinjūrō
- 2025: Succeeded as fourth-generation Katada Kisaku
Currently performs as traditional music hayashi percussionist in dance performances, kabuki performances, NHK "Geinō Hanabutai," television, radio, CDs, and overseas performances.
Member of Nagauta Association, lecturer at Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music, holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Japanese Dance) (Nagauta).
[Creative and Production Characteristics] Works on creating music acceptable to modern people by adding elements to traditionally existing classical hayashi phrases without using Western instruments.
[Website/SNS] https://www.facebook.com/share/15vS7MJd6a/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Tosha Suiho Profile
Traditional Japanese music performer, Specialization: Tosha school flute Real name: Yoshida Shinya, Born: February 1979
[Major Artistic Activities]
Father is flute performer Nakagawa Yoshio. Studied under Tosha Shūhō, Tosha Myōshō (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder), and Nakagawa Yoshio.
Granted the name Tosha Suiho in 2004. Completed graduate studies in Traditional Japanese Music Hayashi at Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School.
Received Jōkan Prize, Dōseikai Newcomer Award, and Acanthus Music Award while enrolled. Appeared in numerous concerts and broadcasts including National Theatre sponsored performances. Member of Tosha school "Shinshiokai" and young Tosha school group "Seitōkai."
- April 23, 2011: Appeared in National Theatre sponsored "Appreciation of New Dance and Traditional Music for Tomorrow"
- October 17, 2017: Recital "Tosha Suiho Flute Concert" at Kioi Small Hall • 2022: "2020-2021 Cultural Affairs Agency Cultural Exchange Envoy" - planned, produced, and performed in streaming videos for Egypt, Hungary, and Germany
- July 2023: Participated in new kabuki performance "Tsukitōken En Kiri" at Shinbashi Enbujō
- Participated in overseas performances in USA, Canada, Italy, San Marino, Spain, Netherlands, Monaco, Ireland, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, India, and others Made major debut from Pony Canyon as member of "Ryōma Quartet." Also active in pop and other genres.
2020-2021 Cultural Affairs Agency Cultural Exchange Envoy.
[Creative and Production Characteristics]
As a Tosha school flautist, strives to master classical works. Also works to popularize traditional instruments through activities with Ryōma Quartet and modern collaborations.
[Website/SNS] X: @toshasuiho
Yamato Michiju Profile
Traditional Japanese music performer, Specialization: Yamatogaku vocalist Real name: Honda Chikaki, Born: March 1963
[Major Artistic Activities]
Received initial instruction from mother, nagauta Tōon Honda Sadako
1966: First stage appearance at age 3
1981: Entered Tokyo University of the Arts Traditional Music Department, studied under Tōon Nishigaki Yūzō While enrolled, performed nagauta before Empress Michiko Received the name Fukuhara Hyakuyū (hayashi flute) from Master Hōzan Saemon
1985: After graduation, affiliated with Nagauta Tōonkai and Nagauta Association Foundation
1988: Received the name Yamato Michiju (Yamato-gaku) from Head Yamato Hisamitsu
1989: Appeared in Onoe Kikugorō Troupe 40th Anniversary February performance "Genji Monogatari Emaki" at Kabuki-za
2005: Performed Yamatogaku at Aichi Expo related performances
2008: Performed in Yamatogaku Los Angeles performance
2010: Performed at Tōin Garden for Heijō Capital 1300th Anniversary Festival
Currently performs at NHK programs, Meiji-za, Kabuki-za, Asakusa Public Hall, and other venues. Instructs and assists Teionkai, Ennokai, and others. Participated in King Records Yamatogaku CD production.
[Creative and Production Characteristics]
Yamatogaku incorporates both traditional Japanese and Western vocal techniques, with beautiful female harmony as one of its characteristics. Works to make Japanese music accessible to people of all generations by utilizing the high notes unique to female voices.
Yamato Hisayoshiko Profile
Traditional Japanese music performer, Specialization: Yamatogaku shamisen Real name: Nakura Makiko, Born: June 1968
[Major Artistic Activities]
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Music, Traditional Japanese Music Department
Born as the second daughter of nagauta performer Kineya Kitaroku, learned shamisen, singing, and Japanese dance from childhood.
After majoring in nagauta at Tokyo University of the Arts, became a disciple of second-generation Yamatogaku head Yamato Hisamitsu in 1991.
Currently performs on NHK television and radio, and as accompaniment for Japanese dance under third-generation head Yamato O-Sho. Also operates schools in Tokyo, Nagoya, Nara, and other locations combining Yamatogaku, nagauta, and Japanese dance, focusing on nurturing young talent. Hosts Omodakakai.
[Creative and Production Characteristics]
Works to convey the appeal of Yamatogaku, nagauta, and Japanese dance to all generations in order to preserve Japanese traditional culture.
[Website/SNS] http://hisayoshiko.com/
