Tsugaru Shamisen Yoshiyuki Kasai
Born in Ajigasawa, Aomori Japan. Began playing shamisen at 10 years old and studied under Kenichi Nagamine.
Awards and Recognition:
2004 Tsuruta Town Cultural Honourable Mention Award
2007 Champion title of National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition in Kobe and was recognized as the top shamisen performer of Japan.
Minister of Education Award
2008 Champion title of the National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition in Osaka.
4 other awards received including the Aomori Governor Award and the Osaka Mayor Award.
2009 Winner of the National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition in Song
Accompaniment Category
Winner of Kanagi National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition in A-rank Class
2010 Winner of National Tsugaru Shamisen Competition in Duo Category
2013 Champion title of International Shamisen Competition
2014 Champion title of the International Shamisen Competition (2ndyear in a row)
2015 Champion title of the International Shamisen Competition (3rdyear in a row)
Performances Overseas
Russia, USA, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, along with 50 other countries and 130 cities.
Performed at the Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2017 representing Japan and received a standing ovation after the performance.
Currently plays with performers and music of a wide variety of nationalities and genres by means of live shows, tours and conferences across the country and overseas.