Yoshida Brothers, the foremost figure among Tsugaru shamisen artists, are going to celebrate their 20th debut anniversary in 2019.
Originally from Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, the brothers started learning shamisen at the tender age of 5. Later they apprenticed themselves to Takashi Sasaki the First, the Tsugaru shamisen artist in 1990.
Came to fame through the Tsugaru-Shamisen National Competition and released the debut album ‘Ibuki’ in 1999. They hold numerous hit records, which is unprecedented in Japanese traditional music industry. They have released 13 albums and other works so far.
Since their official debut in the U.S. in 2003, they have been engaged in performances and collaborations with various artists around the world (MONKEY MAJIK, DAISHI DANCE, Momoiro Clover Z, EXILE and Takao Osawa and so on).
In 2015, they released <PRANA> in collaboration with ‘Naruto Exhibition - Masashi Kishimoto - Celebration of the Completion of Serialization’which became a hot topic among the audience later.
In recent years, Ryoichiro initiated a new Japanese traditional music group WASABI that focus on the performance at schools with Japanese instruments of shamisen, shakuhachi, koto and taiko.
Kenichi gathered some of the greatest young shamisen artists, and launched his Tsugaru shamisen group HAYATE. He was designated as the culture communication ambassador by the Agency of Cultural Affairs and went to Barcelona, Spain for activities in 2015. They have also expanded their individual activities as solo artists and broken through the traditional boundry of music, which has made them highly anticipated by the world.
In 2017,they recorded ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, the theme song for Japanese-dubbed version of the film ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’. Besides, they produced‘Cool Spiral’, a video BGM for Jason Paul, the free runner with 4 million video clicks and sponsored by RedBull. Collaboration with GinyuforcE, the pioneer in Cyalume Dance / Wotagei is one of their recent works. The lessons and qualifiers for World Battle were held in 10 countries and the final was held at Kanda Myojin Hall in Akihabara the holy ground of the dancers. They provided IKAZUCHI as the theme song for Yoshida Brothers×Tom-H@ck CYALUME DANCE WORLD BATTLE. The new release is available online.
SUGIZO is a music composer, guitarist, violinist, music producer. As a member of two Japanese iconic bands LUNA SEA and X JAPAN, he takes an active part in the international music scene. He is also devoted to electonic music creation as a solo artist, and compose soundtracks for many movies and theatres.
At the same time SUGIZO is well-known as an activist, dedicated to public activities and support human rights, refugees, renewable energy, environment, disaster-affected area and so on.
Born in Sapporo, debut with the album 'STOP MOTION'. Her million hits includes 'DA KA RA', 'Anata Dake Mitsumeteru (I'm Watching Nobody But You)', 'Natsu Ga Kuru (Summer is Coming)', 'LA LA LA' and many others. Her first live concert in 1997 assembled over 47k audiences in Ariake arena.
She ceased her artist career for medical treatment in 2010. On August 2016, she restarted her activities by performing in Rising Sun Rock Festival held in her hometown Hokkaido. Released the best album 'Greatest Hits 1991-2016' on November.
From May 2017 to May 2018, she ran a national tour around all the 47 prefectures in Japan to celebrate her 25th anniversary of debut. Released her latest original album 'MUSIC MUSCLE' after 8 years on Dec.15th, held the tour 'Winter’s Dinner Live Tour' in 8 cities.
Another national tour has been launched since March 2019!
She turned 50 years old on Dec.31st 2019, launched the global subscription channel with the slogan of '50th/50try=50歳/50の挑戦'.
May 29, 1989, he started his music career as drummer in LUNA SEA.
May 21, 1992, LUNA SEA made their major debut in Japan.
In 1997, he became a solo singer during a one-year-break of LUNA SEA. In September, he debuted as a solo singer with his 1st single "Falling Sun". The 2nd single "Drifter" is a duet featuring Hekiru Shiina. The 1st album "No Sticks" is produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
December 27, 2000, LUNA SEA ended its activities with a final concert at Tokyo Dome.
In 2001, he started his career as a solo artist.
He has expanded his potential as a player by releasing a CD with "POTBELLY"- an artist unit formed from female vocalist audition, and pursuing the potential inside traditional musical instruments such as Japanese drums and hand drums that he has been familiar with since his childhood. With a focus on drums, he has participated in live performances, concert tours, and recordings with many artists, including Maki Ohguro, Koji Yoshikawa, Kyosuke Himuro, Nanase Aikawa, Kohei Otomo, Kinniku Shōjo Tai, TOSHI (X JAPAN), YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz, LM.C, etc.
December 24, 2007, band LUNA SEA was revived for one night only.
In 2010, LUNA SEA fully resumed its activities, and now he is active as a supporting drummer, focusing on the activities of LUNA SEA.
In 2019, commemorating the 30 year anniversary of LUNA SEA's debut, the band has been actively working on the theme songs of "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin" for NHK, as well as holding 2 DAYS concerts at Budokan and Saitama Super Arena.
In addition to his music activities, he is active in various fields with his light speaking skills. Furthermore, based on the idea of "I want to make people smile. Everything I've done is for the drum", he has produced restaurants, and being active in various industries.