Traditional Performing Arts × Next Generation Artist Stage

Koji Yamaguchi (shamisen)

The World’s Fastest Shamisen Player, Nagoya City Cultural Exchange Ambassador.He started playing the shamisen at the age of five and have won numerous national competitions.As a representative artist of Nagoya City, he has performed both domestically and internationally, including performances before the imperial family and at official FIFA events.
He organizes free outdoor festivals and is also committed to activities that connect the appeal of traditional Japanese instruments to the future.
The spectacular performance, which runs rampant across the stage, instantly captivates the entire audience.

Nukie (electronic kōdan)

Performer of the original entertainment “Electronic Kodan,” which combines traditional Japanese storytelling with electronic musical performance. Utilizing tools like loop machines, electronic flutes, and natural sound effects, he creates music in real time while delivering narratives in the Kodan style. Based in Tokyo, he engages in genre-defying creative activities that intersect black music, experimental music, rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic storytelling), poetry, and dance. They are also a member of the cross-disciplinary group “Otoshibanashi,” collaborating with artists like rakugo performer Katsura Sasamaru and rapper Kitsunebi. A NEXT Artist at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.

DEAD COUNT (shakuhachi × DJ)

A Shakuhachi x DJ performance group consisting of a Tozan school Shakuhachi master and a designer who works on Ukiyo-e NFT art. In order to convey the unique sound of Japan to people of all generations and nationalities, they mainly distribute original music that combines digital sound and Shakuhachi and perform at events. In 2023, they were selected as the “Hibiya Festival NEXT Artist” with director Amon Miyamoto serving as the chairman of the judging committee. And also appeared at “Japan Expo Paris 2025” held in France.

Reikan Kobayashi (jazz shakuhachi)

Graduated from the Department of Traditional Japanese Music at Tokyo University of the Arts and completed the 55th term of the NHK Traditional Japanese Music Training Program. While studying classical repertoire, he independently mastered jazz performance on the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). He has released two solo music albums, “Gakudan Hitori” and “SHAKUHACHI JAZZ.” Currently, he is actively performing as a jazz shakuhachi player while also working as a multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, guitar, bass, and vocal percussion, among other instruments.