Yamato Kyoto
大和杏藤
Shamisen in New York City
大和楽三味線教室
About Yamatogaku
大和楽とはFounded in 1933 by Baron Kishichiro Okura (Chosho), Yamatogaku is a modern style of Japanese music that blends the centuries-old lineages of Kiyomoto and Nagauta shamisen music with Western performance methods such as vocalization, harmony, round singing, and humming. In its founding years, notable intellectuals and poets such as Mikihiko Nagata, Rinpu Sasagawa, Yaso Saijo, Hakushu Kitahara, Kanji Kunieda, and Shigure Hasegawa contributed song lyrics to the refined compositions of Kimi Kishigami and Toshiakira Miyagawa (Eijuro Kiyomoto).
The second headmaster, Hisamitsu Yamato (Isoshichi Yoshimura), composed an oeuvre of more than 150 works throughout his career which spun new possibilities for the Yamatogaku style. Now, more than 90 years after its establishment, O-SHO Yamato continues its legacy as the third headmaster. Known for its whimsical melodies and illustrative use of percussion, Yamatogaku is often used to accompany Japanese dance performances.
Yamatogaku Offical Website
The second headmaster, Hisamitsu Yamato (Isoshichi Yoshimura), composed an oeuvre of more than 150 works throughout his career which spun new possibilities for the Yamatogaku style. Now, more than 90 years after its establishment, O-SHO Yamato continues its legacy as the third headmaster. Known for its whimsical melodies and illustrative use of percussion, Yamatogaku is often used to accompany Japanese dance performances.
Yamatogaku Offical Website
Yamato Kyoto
大和杏藤Yamato Kyoto (Travis Suzaka) is a fourth-generation Japanese American residing in New York City. His fasciantion with shamisen began while studying abroad in Tokyo in 2009, and over the years studied under Fujimoto Minyo and Kineya Nagauta instructors. In 2023, he received his natori stage name Yamato Kyoto and teaching credentials from his teacher Yamato Kyosho.
News & Announcements
お知らせ
PERFORMANCE
Feb. 16, 2025 (Sunday) at 12:30pm
Japan Village, 2nd Floor Loft
Japan Village in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, will welcome Kanariya Eisho, to perform traditional rakugo comedy. Yamato Kyosho and Yamato Kyoto will play Yamatogaku songs with traditional percussion before his show.
Feb. 2, 2025 (Sunday) at 12:45pm
Japan Village, 2nd Floor Loft
Japan Village in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, will hold an exciting event to celebrate the Setsubun festival. Yamato Kyosho and Yamato Kyoto will perform songs such as “Mamemaki” before the actual bean-throwing ritual is held.
Japanese Music Lessons
稽古場Interested in Yamatogaku or nagauta shamisen lessons in New York City? Join our monthly classes led by Yamato Kyosho Sensei in the Lower East Side where you can also learn taiko, kotsuzumi, and ookawa percussion instruments. Private and children's lessons with Yamato Kyoto are also available.
Inquire About Lessons
Inquire About Lessons
Book a Performance
演奏ご依頼We are always looking to share traditional Japanese music and culture with the public. Book us for classroom workshops or for your next community event.
BOOK A PERFORMANCE
BOOK A PERFORMANCE