Experience the powerful, percussive sounds of the traditional Tsugaru shamisen with a live performance by the Kotori Kai Shamisen Trio. Featuring the collective talents of Yumi Torimaru, Kohei Kimura, and Truman Wilson, this special musical event showcases the rich lineage and vibrant contemporary spirit of traditional Japanese music.

Meet the Trio

• Yumi Torimaru: The founding director of both TAKOHACHI and the Kotori Kai Shamisen School. Yumi has spent decades cultivating and sharing Japanese folk performing arts across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

• Kohei Kimura: Along with Yumi, Kohei studies the traditional art of Tsugaru shamisen under the revered master Ryuhiro Oyama in Japan—head of the Oyama School, one of Japan's largest and most prestigious shamisen institutions.

• Truman Wilson: A dedicated student of Yumi Torimaru who is rapidly rising in the contemporary shamisen community.

A Special Preview

This concert also offers a brief sneak peek into an upcoming national showcase. Yumi and Truman have been chosen as select members of the ensemble "Waves of Harmony" to perform at JapanFest Atlanta on September 26–27, 2026. During this local show, the trio will perform a few select songs from that upcoming festival setlist!