CDR release by shakuhachi player Kohachiro Miyagi and koto / shamisen player Ikuyo Furukawa on which they play mainly vocal works by Michio Miyagi. Accompanying musicians are Junko Hayashida and Kiyomi Yarimizu (koto) and three singers, Tokiwa Doi, Keiko Katayama and Shizuka Yabuuchi.

New album from koto and shamisen player who is based in Kyoto and performs regulary overseas.

Re-release of Shozan Tanabe's debut album originally released in 1998. Considered a bit of a classic, accompanying musicians include his elder brother Retsuzan Tanabe (shakuhachi), Hideaki Kuribayashi (seventeen string koto) and Ko Ishikawa (sho).

Rei Jin comes from a family of shakuhachi players, his father and grandfather both being accomplished players. Aside to the family connections he learnt from the masters Reibo Aoki and Hozan Yamamoto.This is a fantastic CD of solo shakuhachi in the style of the Komuso monks, or zen shakuhachi, mostly honkyoku (original pieces) from the Dokkyoku repertroire. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Latest in the series of recordings by koto player Masateru Ando of his teacher, the renowned Michiio Miyagi. This one featuring orchestral arrangements of a koto concerto. Listen to sound samples.

Volume 3 in the series of Miyagi Michio works by these two artists, Kohachiro Miyato on shakuhahci and Koto and Shamisen player, Ikuyo Furukawa.

VHS video, now released onto DVD of shakuhachi lesson and tips by renowned shakuhachi player Katsuya Yokoyama (1934-2010). Comes with English, French, German and Spanish subtitles.

Volume 2 is without the subtitles. More tips, including the mental side of shakuhachi playing, and fantastic, intimate performance as well.

Chiaki Endo is one of the most promising young koto players. On this live album she plays three Michio Miyazaki tunes, a requiem for the Tohoku tsunami victims written by Hozan Yamamoto and one of Tadao Sawai's best known pieces, Sanka. Accompanied by Hozan Yamamoto (shakuhachi) on track 5 and Mitsuko Tenmma (violin) on track 3. Performed in October 2011 at Kioi Hall in Tokyo.

One of the best koto/sangen players around plays the music of Michio Miyagi on volume 1 of an ongoing series. Accompanied by Kifu Mihashi (shakuhachi) on track 2, 4, 5, 6 and Mitoko Takahata (17 stringed koto) on track 7.

Keisho Imai (1871-1947) was a Yamada school koto player known for his brilliant technique. This album includes his most famous composition Shin Zarashi (track1) recorded in 1930. The other three tracks were recorded at a later date, around 1935.

Live recital from 2009 (except the final track a studio recording from 2001). Mitsuhashi Kifu, born in 1950, is a master of the Kinko school. He has been awarded numerous prizes and has played extensively overseas as well as in Japan. Listen to samples of all tracks.

We don't expect to sell many, if any, of this box set. The most expensive item we carry. However, if you are interested in, or play shakuhachi, (like myself) and have money to spare (unlike myself) you might be tempted. The 11 CDs come with 63 music scores and 70 page A4 size book that contains an English summary. It all comes in a beautiful box made of fine paulownia wood. Limited edition of 300. Born in 1940, Shodo Sakai is the third head (soke) of the Chikuho ryu (school) of shakuhachi. Chikuho ryu was founded in 1917 in Osaka by Sakai Chikuou. Sakai Shodo is the second son of the founder. On this box set he plays the repertoire of the Myoan Shinpo Ryu, which continued the honkyoku tradition after the era of the Fuke sect, founded by Ozaki Shinryu. This is the style of the Komoso monks, and is regarded as the origin of zen shakuhachi. Today there is no longer an organization of Myoan Shinpo Ryu. Sakai Shodo learnt the repertoire from great masters including his own father.

Collection of recordings originally released by koto played Michio Miyagi (1894-1956) recorded between 1925 and 1927.

Osaka based koto player Michimine Ohta, plays three stringed koto, seventeen stringed koto and sings on this album of compositions by koto player Shihou Kikumine. Accompaniment by musicians playing koto, shakuhachi with some traditional style storytelling.

Koto player who learned from koto master Michio Miyagi and his successors Kiyoko and Kazue Miyagi plays tunes for solo koto.

Classic and modern tunes for koto and shamisen (sangen) played by master musician Yasuko Nakashima and musicians from Seiha Hougakukai, an organisation of Ikuta school Koto artists.

Koto Toin-kai is a group of various koto artists and have been perfoming since 1967. Fantastic ensemble of koto, sangen, seventeen stringed koto with shakuhachi by Hozan Yamamoto. All new recordings.

Volume 1 of classic shakuhachi repertoire of the Fuke Sect, as played by Komuso monks. Fuke is a branch of Zen Buddhism that can trace its origins back to the 13th century. For the monks of this sect, the shakuhachi was not a musical instrument but a religious instrument used for meditation. At the beginning of the Edo period, the Tokugawa Government in order to control the monks, ordered these wandering samurai - noble class warriors- to gather around temples and officially created the order of the Buddhist Zen Fuke-sect. It's these warrior monks who are the Komoso. They played an important role in maintaining law and order, however with it becoming increasingly difficult to tell who was a genuine komoso or not, the Meiji government dismantled and prohibited the sect in 1871. Temples in different areas of Japan transmitted different versions of musical pieces. This album contains versions of Tsuru no Sugomori and Reibo, notified by their place of transmission such as Fujidai Temple and Mukaiji Temple. Kifu Mitsuhashi, born in 1950, is one of the great masters of the classical honkyoku (original) repertoire of the Fuke sect.

Volume 2 with more classic Honkyoku pieces of the Fuke sect transmitted from various temples.

Classic Fuke-sect shakuhachi pieces as performed by the master Kifu Mitsuhashi.

Another album of the repertoire of the great koto player Michio Miyagi by a leading player of the Miyagi ryu (school). Etenraku Hensokyoku- Variations on Etenraku- takes the melody of the gagaku piece Etenraku, which Miayagi then set to a Western concerto form. It was performed at the coronation of Emperor Showa.

Originally released on LP in 1987, reissued on CD for the first time. The successors of the late, great koto player Michio Miyago [1894-1956], who all studied under him such as Kiyoko Miyagi, Kazue Miyagi and Reibo Aoki perform his compositions including some with orchestra and choir.

Latest in the series of traditional masterpieces performed by members of Seiha Hogaku Kai, probably the most famous music association who can boast koto player Yasuko Nakashima and shakuhachi player Hozan Yamamoto among its ranks. This CD features Yasuko Nakashima and others.

Seiha Hogaku-kai is an association of the Ikuta school of koto. This album contains 16 classics for koto and sangen ensemble by the legendary Michio Miyagi. Miyagi (1894-1956) helped to bring koto music into the 20th century, creating a new style of music based on western ideas.

Kiyomi Ishigaki is one of Japan's leading koto players, from the Sawai school of players. Superb album that demonstrates her ability, a true master on top form.

Superb album of solo shakuhachi. Some of the most famous repertoire, beautifully performed and recorded. Comes with English liner notes.

Collection of Michio Miyagi compositions performed by Masateru Ando who studied Ikuta school style koto under Michio Miyagi and Kiyoko Miyagi. In addition, Ando plays other instruments to demonstrate his versatality.

Toshiko Yonekawa is one of the most famous names in the koto world. Kino Yonekawa was the first player of the Ikuta school, his daughter Toshiko, born in 1913 became a Living National Treasure. In 2007 Toshiko's daughter succeeded her mother and took on her name to futher spread the word of the koto.

Tomoko Sunazaki is a leading player of the Miyagi ryu (school), and founder of the Koto Trio. On this CD she plays the music of the founder of her school Michio Miyagi, born in 1894 who became one of the greats of koto composition and leader of the new Japanese music scene of the early 1920s. The opening piece on this album, Mizu no Hentai, was his first compostion, composed in 1909 when he was 14.

Part of the archive reissue noiseless CD series whereby noise on the original analogue master tapes has been removed through a digital process. Keisho Imai (1871-1947) was a leading koto player of the Yamada school. Founded at the end of the 18th century, by Kengyo Yamada, borrowing from narrative shamisen forms, the Yamada school developed a style where the voice line became more dominant. Keisho Imai is considered one of the greatest ever exponents of this style. 1. Miyako no Haru : Keisho Imai, Keiko Imai (vocals/koto), Kinichi Nakanoshima (sangen), Wado Seki (shakuhachi) -1931 2. Kogou no Kyoku : Keisho Imai, Keiko Imai (vocals /koto), Shoetsu Ito (sangen), Judo Notomi (shakuhachi) - 1931 3. Shofu : Keisho Imai (koto), Keiko Imai (vocals /koto), Kinichi Nakanoshima (sangen), Judo Notomi (shakuhachi) - 1933 4. Kikusui : song & koto by Keisho Imai, Keiko Imai, sangen by Shoetsu Ito - 1932

Second in the series. 1. Kotobuki Kurabe : Keisho Imai (koto), Hidei Sato, Keiko Nakanoshima (vocals), Eisho Koshino (sangen), Baikyoku Araki (shakuhachi) - 1933 2. Shichifukujin : Keisho Imai (vocals /koto), Shofu Abiko (sangen) - 1934 3. Nasuno : Keisho Imai (vocals/koto), Keiko Nakanoshima (vocals), Kinichi Nakanoshima (sangen) - 1934 4. Ondai Banzai : Keisho Imai, Keiko Nakanoshima (vocals /koto), Shoetsu Ito(sangen) - 1934 5. Ameyo no Tsuki from 'Taiheiki' : Keisho Imai, Kiyoi Kawabata (vocals/koto), Kinichi Nakanoshima (sangen) - 1934

Third volume in the archive noiseless series featuring the acclaimed koto player most active during the 1930s. 1. Hachidan : Keisho Imai (koto) -1932 2. Shochikubai : Keisho Imai, Keiko Imai (vocals/koto), Kinichi Nakanoshima (sangen), Judo Notomi (shakuhachi) - 1932 3. Chidori no Kyoku : Keisho Imai, Keiko Imai (vocals/koto), Baikyoku Araki (shakuhachi) - 1933 4. Haru no Kyoku : Keisho Imai, Kinichi Nakanoshima (koto), Keiko Imai (vocals), Judo Notomi (shakuhachi) - 1933 5. Shiki no Nagame : Keisho Imai (vocals/koto), Shunsho Tomizaki (vocals/sangen)- 1933

Akikazu Nakamura studied shakuhachi under Katsuya Yokoyama, but has spent much of his career overseas studying (Berklee, New England Conservatory) playing (Lincoln Centre, Kennedy Centre) and collaborating (Elvin Jones, Douglas Ewart) taking the shakuhachi around the world to over 30 countries. Back home, he demonstrates here his virtuosity of playing traditional tunes. The Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism became a refuge for samurai who wanted to become komuso monks. This temple was called Meianji (Dark Bright Temple) and the sect played the shakuhachi as a meditative tool. These seven tunes were left by the komuso monks of Meianji Temple and include Koku, Daha Shingetsu, Tamuke, Taizanha Shika no Tohne and Korin.

Tanzo Hori (born 1945) has studied and played different styles of shakuhachi; minyo (folk) Kinko-ryu (traditional koten and honkyoku) Nagauta-bayashi (shinobue, nokan) and Nagauta Shamisen. Here he demonstrates his versatility on an excellent CD of shakuhachi music. 18 tracks. 1. Hanakage 2. Furusato 3. Esashi Oiwake 4. Matsumae Oiwake 5. Tsukiyo Mago Uta 6. Soya no Konahiki Uta 7. Tsugaruyama Uta 8. Miyagi Nagamochi Uta 9. Nanbu Ushioi Uta 10. Ondo no Funauta 11. Kariboshikiri Uta 12. Kitagamigawa Funauta 13. Toyama Bushi 14. Honjo Oiwake 15. Sado Okesa 16. Seki no Gohonmatsu 17. Uwajima Sansa 18. Momiji

Compositions by the late great Michio Miyagi performed by Tomoko Sunazaki (koto) and Dozan Fujiwara (shakuhachi). Some tracks feature the 17 stringed koto and others in higher and lower registers. 7 tracks 1. Haru no Umi 2. Izumi 3. Sakura Henso Kyoku 4. Sarashi Kaze Tegoto 5. Seoto 6. London no Yoro no Ame 7. Kazoe Uta Hensokyuoku.

The Miyagi Gassou-dan or Miyagi ensemble was formed by the great Michio Miyagi in 1933. Miyagi was largely responsible for creating a new style of koto music based on western ideas, and is compared sometimes to western composers such as Debussy. The Gassou-dan was formed to improve the skill of small ensemble playing and following Miyagi's death in 1956, was reformed in 1969 by two of his most promiment students Kazue and Kiyoko Miyagi. 13 tracks of classic Miyagi material, performed between 1975 to more recent including Henkyoku Kinuta, Haru no Umi, Genso, Haru no Shishu, Kaze to Hikari to Sora to, Suien Futaku, Henkyoku Sarashi Kaze Tegoto, Ichigo Henyo

Satomi Fukami began studying koto from an early age under Kiyoko and Kazue Miyagi. On this album she plays classic tunes on 17 string koto plus voice with a modern arrangement. 1. Godanjo 2. Sarashi 3. Yachiyo-Jishi 4. Nikyoku Isoou.

It might not exactly be the X-Factor but every year the Japan Traditional Cultures Foundation holds auditions to find the most promising young musicians. Here's one of the 2007 discoveries, shakuhachi player Koumei Ashigaki. Four tracks, shakuhachi plus shamisen.

Masateru Ando studied under the late great Michio Miyagi and other members of the Miyagi dynasty. He is known for combining the traditional elements as passed on by Miyagi together with a modern approach and various collaborations. He has performed extensively in Japan and around the world and is currently a professor in the traditional music faculty at the renowned Tokyo Geijutsu University. Koto- Masateru Ando, plus on sangen (shamisen) Satomi Fukami (track 1), Yasukazu Fujii (track 2) Seikin Toyama (track 3)1. Shakkyo 2. Zangetsu 3. Miyama Jishi

Born in 1913, Toshiko Yonekawa is a Living National Treaure, the daughter of the first koto and sangen (shamisen) player of the Ikuta school, Kino Yonekawa. She was something of a child prodigy, and as a player became known for her skill of intonation, rhythm and sonic beauty. This CD is of five tracks performed with various family members, who are also specialist players of koto and sangen. 1. Agazuma Jishi, 2. Oyama Jishi, 3. Shochikubai 4. Iwai 5. Sasurai

Traditional album of koto plus uta (voice). 3 tracks, 1. Yume no Temakura 2. Koto Kouta 3. Nukata no On Niyori Zenso-Kyoku to Mittsu no Uta.

Michiyo Miyagi (1894-1956) is a legendary figure of koto music, creating a new style of music, based on western ideas. His most famous tune is Haru no Umi, a koto/shakuhachi duet. On this CD, some of the finest koto and shakuhachi players play the most famous compositions from this giant of Japanese hogaku music. 1. Haru no Umi - Shin Miyashita (koto) Reibo Aoki (shakuhachi) 2. Haru no Yoru - Sumiko Hirai (koto, vocal) Reibo Aoki (shakuhachi) 3. Seoto - Shinichi Yuize (koto) Yasuko Nakajima (17 stringed koto) 4. Tegoto - Tadao Sawai (koto)

Volume 2 features more Michio Miyagi classics, including a tune about evening rain in London! 1. Karaginuta - Fumiko Yonekawa (shamisen) 2. London no Yoru no Ame - Keiko Nosaka (koto) 3. Eihei no Kotai - Keiko Nosaka 4. Hatsu Uguisu - Kumiye Fuji (koto and vocal) Hisako Ota (koto) Reibo Aoki (shakuhachi)

Five tracks of classic shakuhachi material, mostly jiuta pieces in the hauta style from Ikuta Ryu school, performed by the brillant Hozan Yamamoto, and others. 1. Wakana 2. Oyama Jishi 3. Hagi no Tsuyu 4. Hachidan no Shirabe 5. Tsuru no Koe.

20 tracks of koto classics, beautifully performed and recorded. These include Dokokade Haru Ga, Akatonbo, Kojo no Tsuki, Hamachidori and Konomichi.

Kengyo Yatsuhashi (1614-1685) is generally credited as popularizing koto music. The story is he was a blind shamisen player in Edo (Tokyo) who was taught the original koto style (tsukushigoto) from a particularly poor player. He went to Kyoto where he formed his own school re-arranging koto pieces (kumuita) for popular tastes, his shamisen background being an influence. This superb 2 CD set of 8 tracks features the earliest compositions played beatifully by Namino Torii. Disc 1 : Umegae, Yuki No Ashita, Kiritsubo, Shiki No Tomo, Disc 2 : Utsusemi, Hashihime, Ougino-kyoku, Hatsuneno-kyoku.

Very classical style koto and singing from a real master. Namino Torii performs on the koto and singis eight tracks. Akashi, Shiki no Fuji, Omoi Gawa, Tenka Taihei, Usugoromo, Tomochidori, Usuyuki and Shiki no Kyoku.

Kumiuta is a set of songs, usually played by a single player who also sings. These are some of the most important pieces of the Kumiuta repertory composed by Kengyo Yatsuhashi. Namino Torii is one of the leading players and scholars of Kumiuta.

Part of the 'noiseless' re-releases of classic archive material ie. previous tape noise has been removed. Michio Miyagi (1894-1956) almost singlehandedly brought koto music into the 20th century, creating a new style of music based on western ideas. His compositions of new hogaku rank alongside his western classical music counterparts such as Debussy. Blind from early childhood, he tragically died during his creative prime falling from a speeding train. Nevertheless he left behind a formidable body of work. This superb CD compiles seven of his masterpieces, including his most famous piece, Haru No Umi, together with a French violinist recorded in the 40s, plus Sakura Henso-kyoku, Seoto, Ochiba No Odori, Kazoeuta Henso-kyoku, Sarashikaze-tegoto, Haru no Otozure. The koto players include Kiyoko Miyagi.

Four songs with vocals from Miyagi- part of the 'noiseless re-releases'. 1. Mizu no Hentai 2. Haru no Yoru 3. Hatsu Uguisu 4. Aki no Shirabe. The other musicians are Kiyoko Miyagi (koto) and Seifu Yoshida (shakuhachi ).

Collection of classic masterpieces. Miyagi plays koto, sangen (shamisen) and sings. 1. Rokudan, 2. Godan Jo 3. Sue no Chigiri 4. Chaondo 5. Chidori no Kyoku. Other musicians are Kiyoko Miyagi (koto) and Seifu Yoshida (shakuhachi ).

Tadao Sawai is perhaps Japan's greatest genius of modern koto music. He is known both for his extraordinary technique and for his wonderful compositions. Aside to traditional themes, those compositions often reflected his own ideologies. Those pieces are often dramatic, changing in an instant from soft stroking of the koto strings to percussive hard hitting. Watching Tadao Sawai perform was a memorable experience, Like most masters he made it look easy, belying a deep understanding and total control he brought to his playing. This is a re-release of an LP originally from 1985. He performs with his wife Kazue Sawai and a small ensemble of traditional musicians. Four tracks plus one bonus track for CD. Futasu no Henso-kyoku, Suimen, Sekisyun, Tsuchi Ningyo, Jyokei Sansho.

Re-release onto CD of LP. Koto player Tadao Sawai with his wife Kazue Sawai and a small ensemble of traditional musicians. Four tracks : Akogare, Soga (accompanied by Shakuhachi and 17 stringed koto) Sunae and Dou to Sei no Kage.

Re-release onto CD of LP. Koto player Tadao Sawai with his wife Kazue Sawai and a small ensemble of traditional musicians. Four tracks plus one bonus track not on original LP. Hanaikada, Futasu no Mure no Tameni, Taka, Yuki Monogatari and Ginga.

Re-release of deleted LP. Tadao with Kazue Sawai. Four tracks plus one bonus. Fantasia for Koto, Doukeshi, a Medley of Three Tunes, Kinuta Sansho and Hotaru. Two performed solo.

Re-release onto CD of deleted LP. Koto player Tadao Sawai with his wife Kazue Sawai and a small ensemble of traditional musicians. Four tracks : Hikaru Umi, Kurodabushi ni Yoru, Genso-kyoku and Bara.

Re-release of eight LP records onto CD, released between 1980 and 1986 with extra tracks. Traditional ensemble with shakuhachi and koto. Hozan Yamamoto was designated a living national treasure in 2002. He is head of the Hozan-kai Shakuhachi Guild and one of the great pioneers in experimental styles and has recorded with a number of collaborators around the world including Ravi Shankar, and top musicians from the jazz and flamenco worlds. This excellent series profiles his more traditional repertoire and highlight his outstanding technique. Six tracks : Shion, Taiko, Gen no Shirabe, Banka, Snagen Dokuso-kyoku Yuzurigi and Kari.

Volume 2 of re-release of eight LP records onto CD, released between 1980 and 1986 with extra tracks. Traditional ensemble with shakuhachi and koto. Five tracks : Shaka, Kiri no Hibiki, Kiku no Ga, Nikan no Fu, and Fuyu.

Volume 3 of re-release of eight LP records onto CD, released between 1980 and 1986 with extra tracks. Traditional ensemble with shakuhachi and koto. Seven tracks : Aioi no Uta, Ichikotsu, Take no Shirabe, Fuyudori, Haru, Kotobuki and Shurai.

Seven tracks : Kamimu, Futatsu no Genso, Ryokai (inprovisation), Ame (with koto and shakuhachi) Sayokyoku (with koto and 17 stringed koto,) Zuisei and Shakuhachi Duet No.2.

Six tracks : Kreansui (sangen and shakuhachi) Aki, Harusayaka, Ryo (for five shakuhachi players), Kakeai, and Souen.

Five tracks : Sanrai (for shakuhachi and flute) Tougebana (for shakuhachi and 17 stringed koto), Konbankagiri Tsukiga, Take no Gunzo and Shakuhachi Quartet No.1.

Seven tracks : Koto, Tsuido, Natsu, Kanotsu, Suisai (solo) Inyoku and Niji.

Six tracks : Fuga 1, Shakuhachi Duet No.4, Shakuhachi Duet Take, Kyotou, Saiga and Chiku Saisai.

The ultimate koto collection. Superb set of 5 CDs now released on CD, originally issued as LP records in 1982. The most famous koto repertroire performed by the greatest players. Michio Miyagi, Kinichi Nakanishima, Tadao Sawai, Shin MIyashita, and accompanied by the greatest shakuhachi players such as Hozan Yamamoto and Reibo Aoki.

5 CD box set of koto tracks, this one newly compiled. Artists include Kiyoko Miyagi, Kazue Miyagi, Tadao Sawai, Kinichi Nakanoshima, Tomoko Sunazaki, Keiko Nomura, Hikaru Sawai, Mieko Miyazaki accompanied by shakuhachi played by Reibo Aoki, Kifu Mihashi and others.

Tando Kosaka is a veteran shakuhachi player. On this double CD set he plays and unusually for a shakuachi player sings on an album of minyo (folk) tunes, as opposed to classical repertroire. 45 tracks including new recordings.

Kouno Kameyama is a master of the Yamada school of koto. Here he plays four classic tunes with fellow masters on shakuhachi (Keisuke Zenyoji), tsuzumi (Tazae Mochizuki) and fue (Toru Fukuhara). Up to the standard of performance and recording you would expect.

Akikazu Nakamura is one of Japan's leading shakuhachi (bamboo flute) players, a musician who has garnered a strong reputation overseas. A graduate of Berklee College he is probably best known for his ability to cross musical boundaries performing with jazz musicians such as Kazumi Watanabe and Elvin Jones, forming the group Kokoo with koto innovator Michio Yagi, and performing at the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and Blue Note New York. This new CD sees him return to the roots of the shakuhachi, with pieces originally devloped by komuso (wandering priests). Shakuhachi developed during the Edo period (1600-1868) mainly due to the komuso. You many have seen pictures of a komuso, playing a shakuhachi from behind a wicker basket hat under which they have observed life in Japan until the present day. The repertoire is of the classic zen style; meditative, designed for introspection. Within the modern bustle of life, the shakuhachi still offers a sanctuary of relaxation and musical refinement. Tracks include Tsuru no Sugomori, Furin, Futaeken Sanya, Reibo and Mutsu Reibo.

Akikazu Nakamura is well known in western circles as a shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player who has performed with American jazz players, played at numerous venues in America and studied at Berklee college. On this album he goes back to the roots of shakuhachi, when it was an instrument of the komoso (traveling zen monks) and the Hokuriko district of northeast Japan.

Masters of the shakuhachi and classic shakuhachi tunes.

One of the winners of the Victor Foundation traditional music audition. Kayoko Yokoyama is a young koto player who displays great maturity.

Another of the winners of the Victor Foundation auditions. Classic ikuta school koto compositions.