It is neither Japanese drums or Tsugaru shamisen, with distinct stillness and movement, nor elegant koto music.
Yamada Hakumai’s Shamisen song is a universal glamor that lives in a moist sound, “WABI-SABIi” itself. It is shamisen music that cherishes the sensibility of ancient Japan and that modern people can also enjoy. After listening to the client’s wishes, we will provide a Japanese sound experience that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Playing Scene
Good for celebration parties
Hakumai can play classical celebration music for any ceremonies, New Year’s parties, year-end parties, etc. The live performance of the celebration music will make the party stylish and dignified.
Hakumai can also perform with a traditional Japanese dance.
Good for places that you can see landscapes
It is very suitable for performances in gardens, temples, shrines, boats (yakata bune), and in trains.
Good for any generations
Classical songs and Western music that are not usually played on the shamisen are arranged according to Japanese classical music theory and played with WABI-SABI. Hakumai can perform a lot of pieces that reach a wide range of generations.
They are good for students, individuals, companies and foreigners.
Features of Yamada Hakumai’s live performance
Have performed for more than 20 years, can describe Japanese landscapes with traditional techniques and creative expressiveness.
A rich singing voice and gorgeous shamisen echo the entire space, painting the places Japanese color. Will provide a special space by more enriching the Japanese image in the planning concept of the client.
Performance to show your hospitality Good for the counterplan for covid-19
In the form of playing and singing, the live sound is played without using speakers, so it saves space and can be used indoors or outdoors. You can enjoy music with peace of mind in a small number of people, avoiding crowds and in an airy environment.
You can show your hospitality by Hakumai’s performance considering covid-19.
※Can perform in spaces using PA such as a music hall.
Can collaborate with various things
Hakumai used to improvise physical expressions. So can read and approach the relationship between space, objects, and the body.
Can have a relationship and fuse with flowers, tea, Buddha statues, dancers, landscapes, projection mapping, Japanese gardens, townhouses, shrines and temples. Will deliver a Japanese collaboration that you have never experienced.
Come and perform plan
Performance times and prices are approximate. It varies depending on the content, the location and the number of guests.
Can perform by seiza, chair, and standing, depending on the venue.
Dedication performances and children’s performances can be cheaper.
Can also compose music for your event. (additional charge)
Transportation fee will not be included.
Promotional Video
Introduction video (1 minute) / “Iroha Uta” (excerpt version)
Introduction video (3 minute) / “Iroha Uta” (complete version)
Event: TradArt Complex / Venue: ROHM Theater Kyoto / 2021
Request: Morita Yukiko, owner of Cafe Gallery Tokijiku
Performance: Original song “Ougi-Gami” (omnibus, from beginning to 0:53)
Contents: Collaboration event of traditional crafts and performing arts
Cast: Heki Atsushi(dance), Yamada Hakumai, Yonehara Yasuto (Sensu craftsman)
Event: Heki Atsushi New Year Dance / Venue: Kyo Kaiseki Takeshigero / 2019
Request: Dancer Heki Atsushi
Performance: “Kotobuki” (celebration)
Cast: Heki Atsushi, Yamada Hakumai
Event/Place/Request: Manzoku Inari Shrine “New Year’s Day Festival”
Performance: Original song “Fox Sambaso”
Cast:Kawada Zenkyu (Kyogen), Mizutani Futeikyu (Flute), Yamada Hakumai
Event: Salaryman Kyogen / Venue: UrBANGUILD / 2019
Request: Kyogen Kawada Zenkyu
Performance: Original song “Hanakin Sanbaso”
Cast:Kawada Zenkyu, Yamada Hakumai
Event: Perem International Dance Festival / Venue: Kongo-ji temple & Indonesian Perem (Online)/2020
Request: Contemporary dancer Lim Pei Ern
Cast:Pei Ern, Yamada Hakumai
Event: Kansai Electric Power Support Project, Demonstration Experiment at Osaka Castle Park
Venue: Osaka Castle Park / 2019
Contents: Tea party at 5km/h automatic driving mobility “iino”.
Provided sound for the dance and Tea celemony
Event/Venue: Nyuhozan Saihoji Temple (Kyoto City)/2019
Contents: Rensho-ki entertainment dedication
Cast: Wakayagi Miten (Japanese dance) Yamada Hakumai
I don’t know what’s real in the world, but I felt your performance was real. Also let me hear
It was great to hear without a mic such far. The voice was good, and the shamisen’s tone was really nice.
I had a luxurious time in an unexpected place. Thank you.
He performed as a shamisen performer at an event where traditional craft works were conveyed through performing arts. Hakumai’’s bright voice was well suited to the glamorous luxury of traditional crafts such as a gold-pressed fan.
Event producer Morita Setsuko
We are asking you to perform in a collaboration performance with Kyogen.
- It is an easy-to-listen singing voice.
- He balances the volume and creates a voice that matches my performance.
- The words are easy to hear, so the messages can be delivered to the customer.
- It brings out the dancers.
- It creates an atmosphere where you can immerse yourself.
Kyogen performer (playwright/actor) Kawata Zenkyu
We had a workshop and live performance at Bunka Marche.
Easy-to-understand explanations made it possible for all participants to play immediately.
After the workshop ended, everyone seemed to be filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Highly recommended for people of all ages who are interested in Japanese culture and shamisen.
Event organizer Mr. A
Flow of Request
Japanese Sound Experience Designer
Yamada Hakumai
Was born in 1982, Tokyo. Now lives in Kyoto.
In 2002, studied performing arts centered on physical expression at Kyoto Art and Design University and started playing nagauta (BGM for Kabuki, kind of J-POP in the Edo period) in a university circle. From 2007, became a nagauta player and performed at Kabukiza, National Theater, Minamiza, Shochikuza, National Bunraku Theater, Gokagai Kaburenjo, etc.
In 2014, started solo performances as Yamada Hakumai. Now playing, creating, and giving lessons to feel WABI-SABI.
Playing shamisen and singing not only classical nagauta but also Japanese old songs, children’s songs and original songs.
In the singing and shamisen class, providing lessons to enrich the Japanese sensibility.
