Artist
JIA PENG-FANG
Jia Peng-Fang is a highly acclaimed Asian artist, whose specialty is playing the Chinese traditional instrument, "Erhu."(This instrument, as you may know, has proven to be increasingly versatile, and has been incorporated into the worlds of both pops and classics.)
KIYOSHI YOSHIDA
Kiyoshi Yoshida majored in contemporary arrangement and film scoring at the Berklee College of Music.
Upon his return to Japan in 1987, he became involved in composing various types of music, including sound tracks and commercial scores as a synthesizer operator and producer.
In 1999, he released "ASIAN DRUMS" in sixteen countries including Japan.It won him high acclaim, particularly in the U.S. "ASIAN DRUMS II" came next and was followed by "UBUD" and "UBUD DUA" which he produced with his own band.
He has composed sound tracks for NHK TV programs such as "Nihonjin Harukana Tabi" (Japanese on Distant Travels), "Ningen Dokyumento (Human Document)" and "Toukuni Arite Nipponjin" (Japanese in Distant Lands).
In 2005 at the Aichi Expo, he directed the music for Kansai Yamamoto's opening act "TOBUZO" (Let's Fly! Festival of Life) In 2006, he was in charge of the music for the film, "Toki o Kakeru Shojo" (The girl who leapt through time) released in the summer of 2006.
In 2007, he worked as the music director for the Kansai Yamamoto's KANSAI SUPER SHOW "TAIYO NO FUNE"(The Sun Ship)
BONTEN
"Bonten" means "the origins of the universe" in Sanskrit, the historical language which was widely used in Asia in ancient?medieval times.Bonten is a group of male and female traditional Japanese Taiko drummers, head by leader, Masataka Kobayashi.Their objective is to express colorful, universal atmospheres through their music.Their first stage appearance happened in 2000, and they have been introducing original pieces ever since.They freely use the Japanese traditional instrument Wadaiko, adding other instruments such as Shinobue (Japanese flute), Koto, and keyboards to create their unique music style.The eloquent energy of their music shakes the bodies of the listeners, and takes them to a deep, emotional state.
TONE
TONE is a three piece musical unit which consists of Yukihiko Mitsuka (Shakuhachi), Mihoko Ono (Koto) and Ryoichi Soyama (guitar). Two of the members - Mitsuka and Soyama are from the northern Japanese island (Hokkaido), and they base many of their tunes off the whole concept of everything Hokkaido. Having appeared many times in the local Hokkaido media, they now hold concerts all over the prefecture, enjoying surge in local popularity. They are a unique mix of Japanese traditional instruments Shakuhachi, Koto and the guitar, which brings their music a gentle, soothing, and somewhat nostalgic feel that creates a perfect balance of old and new. Through their music, they express their love for their hometown, which evokes a sentimental, truly relaxing feel in the listeners.
SHAO RONG
After graduating from the university, she joined The National Shanghai Folk Band as a soloist.She won "The Artistic Excellence Prize" at the Shanghai Art Festival.Then in order to experience a fresh environment for her music, she chose Japan.She became a student of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.After graduation, she performed as a soloist for The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in the performance of "Marco Polo" composed by Tan Dun, and invited to the Pan Pacific Music Festival, she played her lute, giving her first performance for "The Cocerto of Lute and String Orchestra" also composed by Tan Dun, winning world-wide attention.At the present she is based in Tokyo and is active on stages all over the world, performing in concerts in Asia, America and Europe.
JIANG XIAO-QING
Born in Beijing.She received special education on the Gu Zheng from when she was very young, and studied under famous Gu Zheng players including Liu Wei-Shan, Xiang Si-Hua, Fan Shang-E, Zhang Yan and Cao Zheng from when she was eight.She won the first prize, the 'Gold Prize' at the Chinese youth folk instrument solo contest, and she entered The Chinese National Central Conservatory of Music at fifteen.She met Mr. Ryuichi Sakamoto after she came to Japan, and joined him on the sound track of "The Last Emperor" which won an Academy Award for music.She played in his concerts in Japan and the U.S.A., and is highly regarded.
ANNA
Anna Sato has been singing Shimauta from the tender age of three, and has won many Shimauta contests. She marked her CD debut in 2005 from Pacific Moon Records.Since then, she has released 7 CDs, collecting international attention with her unique singing technique.Her album "Wan Shima" has been released in the United Sates also. She is the official vocalist for "Cirque Du Soleil" from 2010.
NAOYUKI ONDA
Demonstrating talent as a musician since his high school days, Mr.Onda began his professional music activities when he studied at university.Up to the present, he has worked on many pieces for pop artists as a keyboard player, arranger and composer.His sounds, created with comfortable rhythms, describe a tender and calm world.He released the albums "Dream" in 1999 and "WINGS IN THE DAWN" in 2001 on the Pacific Moon label.They were well regarded overseas.
MASAJI WATANABE
Born in Tokyo, 1957.Mr. Watanabe graduated from the Toho Gakuen School of Music Piano Department. He participated in Kitaro's Asian tour as a keyboard player in 1984.Since then, he has been working on stages and in studios as a player focusing on the synthesizer.He has released albums as a member of R.E.M. SWIMMING CLUB BAND from 1989.He has been working as the music director for Emiko Shiratori's concert tours since 1990, and released "PIANO GARDEN" by Pacific Garden in 2000.
MISSA JOHNOUCHI
She has worked on composing and arrangements for TV dramas and film music since when she was studying at music University.Ms Johnouchi produced eight albums with the Orchestra du Theatre National de l' Opera de Paris from 1989. She studied in France in 1990 and conducted the Orchestra playing the symphony she wrote in 1995.She released her albums, "Asian Blossoms" and "Asian Blossoms II" and enlivened the overseas charts. In addition to her music activities, she has worked widely as a commentator and essayist.As a female Asian musician, it is hoped she will advance onto the world stage.
ERI SUGAI
Eri SUGAI is an active singer song writer and not only has she provided many artists with musical pieces and produced many CM songs, she is also very talented in expressing the beauty of the voice such as with the expression of the acapella chorus with multiplex recording.
MIZUYO KOMIYA
Mizuyo's mother taught her to play the Koto from a very young age.After graduating High School, she attended the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory in Boston to study contemporary music, ethnic music, and improvisation among others.After returning to Japan, she has led an active musical career, producing CDs and holding live concerts.
SUSUMU UEDA
Graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts, Music Department, majoring in composition.He was chosen to be the, 'Agency for Cultural Affairs Artist Domestic Trainee' for fiscal year 1980, and completed a profound study in Tokyo.He works in a wide range of fields as a composer and arranger, creating works including the Nagano Olympics official song, "WINTER FLAME", and the music performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games in Hiroshima, as well as works for TV programs, commercials and the stage, background music for images, and publishing music scores.
Kyoko Gushiken
With the exception of one new track, this album is full of standards, which can be heard on the radio and at clubs, and they all capture the characteristics of Kyoko Gushiken. However, her distinctive style is not yet complete; it can only be completed by "tokehijami" - that is, by going out of Okinawa to carry out such a mission. That is indeed "Okinawa" for Kyoko Gushiken, who is also "Okami" (a proprietress) running a Soba restaurant in Tomigusuku.
SORMA
SORMA is a group of five composers from different genres, who have come together to blend the sounds of traditional Asian folk music with the newest rhythm melodies. Each is active in his own field as producer, composer, and arranger. The group is presently performing live in clubs, in addition to releasing this new album.
Kitaro
Musically, they're magic, having been classically trained and hailing from some of the most prestigious Schools and Universities. To the eye, the Viva Girls present one of the most impressive and visually pleasing concert performances one can experience. Their East meets West twist on a unique mix between classical and pop music is especially popular with American audiences.
Creating traditional Chinese music that appeals to younger audiences who love pop music is a challenge the Viva Girls are exciting to conquer. The 12 classically-trained female musicians who comprise the VIVA Girls perform on traditional Chinese instruments and blur the lines between American music with the traditional sounds on China.
ViVA GIRLS
Musically, they're magic, having been classically trained and hailing from some of the most prestigious Schools and Universities. To the eye, the Viva Girls present one of the most impressive and visually pleasing concert performances one can experience. Their East meets West twist on a unique mix between classical and pop music is especially popular with American audiences.
Creating traditional Chinese music that appeals to younger audiences who love pop music is a challenge the Viva Girls are exciting to conquer. The 12 classically-trained female musicians who comprise the VIVA Girls perform on traditional Chinese instruments and blur the lines between American music with the traditional sounds on China.
Kira
Kira consists of Yasuhiro Kido and Junko Hirotani. The two veteran composers and vocal arrangers decided to form Kira and made their debut in April 2002, with the song "Sakura", which was featured in the much acclaimed Toshiba EMI release "Feel NEW ASIA".
In June 2002, they released their first album "Natsu Koi Bana".
In January 2005, they released their second album "Yukyu No Tsubasa".
Songs "Yukyu No Tsubasa" and "Sara" from this album is now used as the theme music of television program "Shokusai No Okoku". (On air every Saturday 9:30- on TV Asahi, every Sunday 18:30- on BS Asahi.)
In October 2006, they released their third album "Maboroyo".
A song from this album "Uraraka" received the Best Performer Award of the 2007 Professional Music Recording Award of Japan.
In 2008, Kira released two albums (forth album "Toki No Nagori (1)" and fifth album "Toki No Nagori (2)", which contain their versions of well known Japanese songs. Most of these songs are songs which were sung at Japanese schools in the Meiji and Showa eras. Kira added their own color to these songs with their original vocal arrangements.
In 2009, they composed a song for Anna Sato, a popular songstress from the Amami Island, "Yoi Matsuri". This received the Avid Award of the Professional Music Recording Award of Japan.
Kira Homepage:http://www.kira-net.com