Join us for a free Japanese musical performance featuring the the authentic sounds of the tsugaru shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. Takohachi founder Yumi Torimaru, along with students from her newest musical project, Kotori Kai Shamisen School, will perform traditional and original songs in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center from 1:15pm-1:45pm, and again from 2:15pm-2:45pm.

The shamisen is a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument derived from the Chinese instrument sanxian. The Tsugaru shamisen originated from Tsugaru Peninsula in present-day Aomori Prefecture and is widely used throughout Japan.

About Kotori Kai

In 2023, Takohachi established Kotori Kai, Oregon’s first shamisen school, to promote Japanese culture focusing on the authentic instrument, shamisen. Shamisen is a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument, and the tsugaru shamisen style, recognized for its fast-paced rhythms and impressive fingerwork, is popular both in Japan and overseas. Kotori Kai’s repertoire includes both traditional and modern songs from Japan, including original compositions. 

Portland Japanese Garden receives support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.