The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will hold the JF Garage Concert No.19 in Hanoi on January 13 to introduce Japan’s traditional instruments Shakuhachi and Shamisen.

Tsugaru Shamisen artist KIJU - Photo: Courtesy of the organizer

Shakuhachi is a type of flute made of bamboo which provides a variety of sounds while Shamisen is a three-string instrument. There are many types of Shamisen but in this concert, the artist will use Tsugaru Shamisen which creates the strongest sounds.

The show will be a collaboration between Shakuhachi artist Kimihiro Kitamura, Tsugaru Shamisen artist KIJU and the Vietnam National Drama Theatre. The two guest artists have lots of experience in overseas performances and are expected to give the Hanoi audience a fusion of traditional and modern music.

KIJU has had a passion for Shamisen since he was in fifth grade and studied it from Kitamura Masataka. Apart from performing traditional songs, he is also creating and performing his original pieces inspired by many genres. KIJU is well-known for his new style of Shamisen performance using electronic equipment.

Shakuhachi performer Kimihiro Kitamura is well-known worldwide for his wide repertoire of songs, ranging from traditional music to contemporary music. Also, he is a key member in a bamboo orchestra composed of creative bamboo musical instruments. With his motto of “music is a way of life”, he appreciates every encounter he has through music.

JF Garage Concert is a series of outdoor classical music concerts which aims to contribute to the musical diversity in Hanoi through the introduction of global musical works played by distinguished Vietnamese and Japanese artists. 

Free tickets are available at the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, 27 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi from 12:00 on January 8. Each person can get a maximum of two tickets.