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. 

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