Schedule

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
7:30 p.m. Concert

Get ready for an unforgettable evening showcasing the music of the shakuhachi, Japan’s traditional bamboo flute! Hōzan Nomura, the honored National Living Treasure of the shakuhachi, makes a rare visit to the U.S. He is joined by three of Japan's most recognized, award-winning virtuosos, each a leader in their respective genres, for a unique and stunning program that encompasses the best of Japan's musical traditions while highlighting the remarkable potential for each instrument.

From the deeply moving solo honkyoku (traditional pieces from the Fuke Buddhist sect) to the rich, dynamic sounds of sankyoku (a 19th-century chamber music trio of shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen) and iconic contemporary works, this concert will take you on a journey through the centuries-long versatility of this mesmerizing instrument. 

This concert at Asia Society Texas is an outreach event affiliated with the World Shakuhachi Festival taking place at Texas A&M College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts. 

About the Musicians

Hōzan Nomura the Living National Treasure of the Tozan School of shakuhachi, is recognized as the literal embodiment of the Tozan style, carrying the essence of that school on for future generations. Born in 1957, he studied shakuhachi under the previous Living National Treasure, the late Hōzan Yamamoto. His list of accolades is extensive, and he is both an in-demand concert performer and a prolific recording artist. The Tozan school has honored him with their highest rank, that of Tozan-ryū Shakuhachi Chikurin-ken Dai-Shihan (Great Master).

Keisuke Zenyōji was initiated into the shakuhachi tradition at the tender age  of six. While at Tokyo’s University of Fine Arts, he began studies under the former Living National Treasure of the Kinko School of shakuhachi, Gorō Yamaguchi. He is also the recipient of multiple awards for his performances and, along with his continuing focus on keeping the traditional Zen roots of the Kinko style of shakuhachi alive, he is actively recognized as a master teacher throughout Japan and beyond.

Akiko Fujimoto has a remarkable family connection to the traditional vocal music of the shamisen called Jiuta. From a very young age she began lessons on both shamisen and the 13-string koto under her grandmother, the world-famous Keiko Abe, and mother, Kunie Fujii (another Living National Treasure). She’s garnered multiple accolades with a demanding international performance schedule, both onstage and on television, and continues to share the beauty of Jiuta through her extraordinary voice and shamisen playing.

Yōko Hihara studied Kyūshū-style koto under Jūka Iwata, extending the borders of the tradition with her use of the modern 25-string koto while studying with Sōju Nosaka II. She began winning awards while still a student at Tokyo’s University of the Arts. Her performing experience has been extensive, from Tokyo’s Imperial Palace (with members of the Vienna Philharmonic) to a folk music festival in Beijing (with the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa), and many radio and television appearances.

Performing Arts and Culture programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Syamal and Susmita Poddar. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, The Brown Foundation, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment Inc. Generous funding also provided by The Anchorage Foundation of Texas, The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Wortham Foundation. Additional support is provided by The Clayton Fund, and the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming to Asia Society Texas.

Performing Arts and Culture Presenting Sponsors

Syamal and Susmita Poddar

Performing Arts and Culture Program Sponsors

Japan Series Sponsor

Program Partner

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.