In the whole of the UK, Hibiki Ichikawa is the only professional player of tsugaru shamisen; a traditional 3-stringed instrument played using a large pick called a bachi. In recognition of his great skill, he has been qualified to perform under a “Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa”, which is granted only to the most proficient artists. Hibiki frequently performs at festivals and formal occasions, including the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square, for the Japanese Emperor’s birthday celebrations at the Japanese Embassy, and at the Edinburgh Festival. He currently teaches tsugaru shamisen to over 20 students in the UK.

When Akari Mochizuki was just 3 years old, she started singing enka (a variety of traditional Japanese music which often takes the form of sentimental ballads). Akari studied drama in Cambridge and modern music in London, and started working as a professional singer in 2009. She has performed as an enka and minyo (Japanese folk music) singer for numerous occasions, including WOMAD 2010 and Japan Matsuri 2009 and 2010. Akari is passionate about introducing Japan’s wonderful folk music to her audiences in the UK.