Weekly Newsletter for Shinobue Lovers
July 6, 2025
I'm back from Japan! 🇯🇵
So many wonderful things happened in Japan and I will be sharing them with you for the next few months!
First, I want to share about the concert I attended! Initially, I had booked my plane ticket back to Denver for June 29.
However, Bunta sensei mentioned he would be performing in a concert in Saitama, which is only about a 2-hour train ride away, so I decided to change my flight and extend my stay by one more day so I could see him perform live for the very first time!!
It turned out to be a taiko festival, in which Bunta sensei was the featured guest.
The show was absolutely amazing. Well worth the flight cancellation fee I had to pay!!
The event organizer strictly prohibited the use of cell phones during the performance (no recording allowed 😭).
But right before their encore, they announced that we could record it! 🎉
The piece was titled “Kagura” an original composition by Bunta Sensei. He proudly leads a talented taiko ensemble, complemented by an amazing Tsugaru shamisen player, all with his shinobue in hand.
So exclusively on this newsletter, you will be the first one to witness the fabulous taiko concert right from Japan!!
It's only a minute and a half, but it's EPIC!! Enjoy it!!
Every time I see him, I am amazed by his size! He has the physique of an American football player! 🏈
He also teaches his students to utilize their entire bodies when playing the shinobue.
Seeing him reminds me of the importance of engaging my whole body if I want to sound even a little bit like him!!
Stay tuned for more exciting shinobue stories from Japan in the coming weeks!!
Thank you!
Thank you to all who purchased my new songbook "Night Songs".
The links for tutorial videos, piano accompaniments, and sample performance audio tracks are located on the second page of the PDF file you received!
*****
The sale is over, but you can still purchase the book here!
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🎋 A Special Invitation for Shinobue Enthusiasts in Arizona, Southern California, and BEYOND!
Join Me for a Rare In-Person Class in Phoenix – No Conference Pass Required!
On August 29 and 30, I’ll be teaching shinobue classes at the North American Taiko Conference in Phoenix—and you don’t have to attend the full conference to join!
Each class is just $60, and open to anyone interested in learning or deepening their shinobue practice.
Because enrollment is still small, this is a unique chance to receive personalized attention and connect in an intimate, encouraging environment.
Whether you’re just starting out or already playing, I’ll guide you with practical techniques and help you connect with fellow shinobue learners who can support your journey beyond this class. 💓
🌸 Let’s build a community around this beautiful instrument—together.
If you're in Arizona or Southern California, it's just a short drive to get there!
And I'm thrilled to share that two of our fellow readers of this newsletter are already planning to fly in from out of state! 🥰
I would love to see YOU there too!! 🎉
You can sign up for this amazingly fun time right here! 😃https://form.jotform.com/250314678571965
Lecture/Concert at a beautiful Japanese Garden the next day 🌸
After two days of teaching at the Taiko Conference on Friday and Saturday, I will be at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Rohoen) on Saturday, August 31, sharing more about shinobue.
This beautiful and authentic Japanese garden is located near downtown Phoenix.
We're excited to let you know that we'll be hosting activities inside the charming Japanese tea room, especially since it will be quite warm outside.
The tea room is cozy, so we will have a limited number of tickets available. (Tickets are not for sale yet)
Be sure to stay tuned to this newsletter for more updates — we’ll be sharing more details very soon!
Piano & Shinobue: Beautiful Combination
I had a magical time playing shinobue with my dear friend from high school, Miho Nagai.
Miho is a graduate of Tokyo University of Fine Arts, (which is like a The Juilliard of Japan) and her piano is absolutely beautiful.
We recorded 5-6 songs (without any rehearsal!!).
I hope to share them all, starting with this one: Princess Mononoke Theme Song. I hope you will love it!!
This Ghibli song got a lot of views last week!
I went on a beautiful hike in Kamakura with my cousin, and took this video by Doso shin (Gods of protection). If you haven't checked it out, it's a must!
Under the sacred Torii gate...
It was very hot (in the 90's = 32 C) and humid in Japan and there were mosquitos in there, but I really wanted to share the beautiful serenity of Japanese bamboo grove with a sacred torii gate! Hope you'll enjoy it!
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I've compiled all the shinobue articles from the past newsletters just for you!
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