The Japanese Koto Player
The Japanese Koto Player is based in London and is available for both public and private events across Europe.
She performs on the Koto, 17 string bass Koto, Shamisen and also sings.
The Japanese Koto Player was born in an area of Hiroshima prefecture known for producing high quality Japanese traditional instruments and instrumentalists.
Her early years were spent studying koto (Japanese Zither) and shamisen (three-stringed Japanese lute) in Fukuyama under the tutelage of her aunt. She has performed widely throughout Japan and around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Ethias Arena Haselt Belgium, London's Excel Motor Show, British Museum, Japanese Embassy in London, and a number of festivals including Glastonbury Festival, Vortex Jazz Club, Ronnie Scotts and St. John's Hackney Church.
The Japanese Koto Player has performed live in concert and studio (BBC Radio 3) with Jah Wobble's Nippon Dub Ensemble, Anglo-Japanese crossover project and has featured at charity concerts for the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster.
She has lived in the UK for over 15 years and was a leading member of the Japanese Music Society based at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London. As part of her continuing relationship with SOAS, she has also taught koto and shamisen at the European Shakuhachi Society Summer School.
She has also performed at the London Olympic in the BT River of Music Asia Stage and EFG London Jazz Festival 2013, as one of the members of Arun Ghosh's Arkestra Makara featuring musicians from across South & South East Asia. She was an award winner for her koto composition at Michio Miyagi memorial Contest 2014 in Japan.
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The Japanese Koto Player
Fantastic, very professional. Good communication throughout booking and arrived in ample time.
Craig Saunders | June 2025
DM Kineton, Warwickshire
The Japanese Koto Player was superb. Communication with her was easy, and she was happy to fit in with our event. She arrived promptly, already dressed in her kimono and ready to set up her Koto. She played beautifully, and I particularly liked the way she engaged with the audience between pieces of music. Visitors were very interested in the instrument and she took the time to talk to people individually, I was particularly impressed with her flexibility. The plan was to play from 1415-1515, but circumstances made that difficult. So, she played for twenty minutes or so, joined our guests in the Japanese garden, then played for another 45 minutes. That willingness to fit in was much appreciated. I would highly recommend The Japanese Koto Player for future events.
Paul Harvey | April 2024
Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, Theme Night
I just want to reach out to say thank you so much for playing for us on Thursday. Your music really brought the authentic Japanese feel to life and the guests really enjoyed hearing you play.
Molly Wishart | September, 2022
Ginza Restaurant, London, Corporate Event
Based in Greater London
