The fourth generation of Kiatda Kisaku
Katada Shinjuro, Leading Figure in the Hayashi World, Succeeds to the Name of Fourth-Generation Katada Kisaku
A New Era of Development for Japanese Performing Arts in Los Angeles
June 2025
Katada Shinjuro-sensei, a leading figure in the hayashi world, has succeeded to the name of fourth-generation Katada Kisaku and assumed the position of new head of the Katada School.
☆ Cultural Impact of the Katada School on Los Angeles
For over 40 years, the Katada School has played a crucial role in the development of Japanese performing arts in Los Angeles. The late third-generation Katada Kisaku-sensei (Living National Treasure and father of the new head) was widely known as a leading authority who composed almost all the musical arrangements for Yamato-gaku ensemble pieces, while also being active in kabuki and nagauta performances and engaging in composition, creation, and performance activities across diverse fields including contemporary music and jazz.
From the 1980s for over 20 years, the Katada School brought together various local nagauta schools and dance schools, fostering significant development and ushering in a Golden Age in the history of Japanese performing arts in Los Angeles.
☆ Major Cultural Exchange Milestones
1980s - Third-generation Katada Kisaku-sensei established the American Katada Association, beginning authentic local activities.
Over 20 years - Continuous visits to Los Angeles contributed to building the foundation of the local performing arts community.
2008 - The new head (then Katada Shinjuro-sensei) played a central role in the inaugural Yamato-gaku USA performance.
2017 - Held hayashi concerts to promote technical succession and outreach activities.
2019 - Through Yamato-gaku and hayashi concerts, brought new vitality to Los Angeles performing arts with the combination of the next-generation head and leading next-generation Katada School artist, revitalizing the classical performing arts scene in Los Angeles that had been dormant for nearly 20 years since Yamato-gaku's 2008 performance.
The new head, fourth-generation Katada Kisaku-sensei, has visited Los Angeles for many years even before his succession, building trust with local performing arts professionals.
☆ New Era Begins with 25th Anniversary Concert
Fourth-generation Katada Kisaku-sensei will perform at the "Yamato-gaku USA 25th Anniversary Concert" to be held in Palos Verdes on November 2nd. This performance will feature five renowned classical musicians from Japan, with approximately 50 performers from three local Yamato-gaku schools presenting over 22 pieces. Fourth-generation Katada Kisaku-sensei will handle the percussion section, marking the official start of his international activities as the new head.
