Here at KOKOOTO ~Sounds of the Heart~, we introduce the beautiful and intricate culture of Japan to international audiences, with a focus on traditional musical instruments. This time, we had the pleasure of interviewing koto player, Aoi Uyama.
- –Biography of Aoi Uyama-
- Q&A
- Q: What got you started with Japanese traditional instruments?
- Q: What inspired you to become a professional musician?
- Q: What are your main activities?
- Did you know she’s also a model?!
- Q: What about the charm of Japanese instruments do you want to convey to people overseas?
- Q: What are the key points for international audiences to look out for at a koto concert?
- Q: What are your hobbies, and what Japanese food or experience do you recommend for visitors?
- Q: What is the passion behind your work?
–Biography of Aoi Uyama–
Born in Yokohama ,Japan.
Studied koto and shamisen under Natsumi Kasuga and Satomi Fukami.
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music Elementary and Junior High School, Piano Department. Later graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts Music High School and completed a major in Traditional Japanese Music (Ikuta School Koto) at Tokyo University of the Arts. Also holds a Master’s degree in Media Design from Keio University Graduate School of Media Design.
Leveraging her background in both Western and traditional Japanese music, she is active in genre-crossing ensembles, collaborations with various instruments, composition, arrangement, and orchestration using traditional Japanese instruments, and concert direction. She is dedicated to the development and preservation of traditional music.
Member of the Miyagi Koto Association, Mori-no-Kai, Dousei-kai, and Fukami Hougaku-kai.
Television appearances include NHK programs “Nippon no Geino (Traditional Japanese Performing Arts)” and “Lalala Classic.”
Awards and Achievements:
2017: Invited by Jugend musiziert to perform in six cities in Germany.
64th Fukui Music Competition: Received the Governor’s Award (highest award).
2022: Published “Aoi Uyama Koto Arrangements Collection.”
2022: Became the first traditional Japanese music artist to release an NFT work.
2023: Released her first CD “Shiki ~Japanese Seasons~,” composed and performed by her.
2024: Joined an AI x Traditional Japanese Instruments project.
2024: Crowned Grand Prix winner of Miss Japanese Contest 2024
WEB SITE：https://lit.link/aoiuyama
The artist we interviewed this time is Aoi Uyama. She is a musician who promotes Japanese culture through a wide range of activities, including composing and modeling, in addition to her performances. Her positive and bright personality is truly captivating! She and KOKOOTO’s editor-in-chief, KIMONON, have had the same teacher and have known each other since childhood. Let’s learn more about Aoi’s work!
Q&A
Q: What got you started with Japanese traditional instruments?
A: Music was a part of my life since I started playing the piano as a child. I learned that there was a koto teacher nearby, and that’s what got me started.
Q: What inspired you to become a professional musician?
A: I attended an affiliated school of a music university from elementary school, so I have been aiming to become a professional musician since I can remember.
Q: What are your main activities?
A: I perform on the koto, shamisen, and tagengoto (multi-string koto), and I also compose and arrange music.
- Koto / Tagengoto
- Shamisen
- Composition & Arrangement
Sheet music sales site
https://dainihon-kateiongaku.easy-myshop.jp/c-item-list?keyword=宇山葵
Did you know she’s also a model?!
To spread Japanese culture around the world, she entered the Miss Japanese 2024 contest and splendidly won the Grand Prix title! She continues to share the charm of Japanese culture in many different ways, with her work as a musician at the core.
Q: What about the charm of Japanese instruments do you want to convey to people overseas?
A: In addition to the beautiful tones themselves, I want to convey the Japanese culture that has been passed down through these instruments, such as the gestures and the deeper meanings embedded in the music.
Q: What are the key points for international audiences to look out for at a koto concert?
A: A koto concert can have a variety of themes. Paying attention to the concept of the performance and what the musician is trying to convey is one of the key points to truly enjoy it!
Q: What are your hobbies, and what Japanese food or experience do you recommend for visitors?
A: I love art; both looking at it and drawing it are my hobbies. For visitors from abroad, I highly recommend a traditional textile dyeing experience!
Q: What is the passion behind your work?
A: I want to share the world of music that I love with as many people as possible.
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