Yano et Agatsuma Produced by Japan America Society Houston
Advertisement
Pianist, singer-songwriter, and musical icon Akiko Yano celebrates the 50th anniversary of her solo debut with a special Houston performance.
One of Japan’s most distinctive and influential musicians, Yano has spent five decades creating music that moves effortlessly across genres and borders. From her groundbreaking debut album Japanese Girl, backed by Little Feat, to collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, Rei Harakami, and Hiromi, Akiko’s music is full of warmth, mischief, and virtuosity.
For this performance, she reunites with Tsugaru-shamisen virtuoso Hiromitsu Agatsuma as Yano et Agatsuma, their celebrated collaboration bringing together two singular musical voices.
Yano has long drawn inspiration from Japanese musical traditions, reimagining everything from children’s songs to min’yō (Japanese folk songs) through her own unmistakable musical language. Agatsuma, one of Japan’s leading Tsugaru-shamisen artists, is equally known for pushing beyond convention while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Together, Yano’s expressive piano and unmistakable voice meet the thrilling sound of Agatsuma’s Tsugaru shamisen. Their music honors the traditions from which it comes while approaching them with curiosity, virtuosity, and imagination.
The result is a captivating meeting of tradition and reinvention—and a rare opportunity to experience two extraordinary Japanese artists bringing the sounds of Japan into an entirely contemporary musical conversation.
Japan-America Society of Houston brings people together through vibrant cultural experiences, educational programs, and community engagement. By connecting Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates shared values, encourages discovery, and builds lasting friendships across cultures.
This performance will NOT be live-streamed.
All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE!
One of Japan’s most distinctive and influential musicians, Yano has spent five decades creating music that moves effortlessly across genres and borders. From her groundbreaking debut album Japanese Girl, backed by Little Feat, to collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, Rei Harakami, and Hiromi, Akiko’s music is full of warmth, mischief, and virtuosity.
For this performance, she reunites with Tsugaru-shamisen virtuoso Hiromitsu Agatsuma as Yano et Agatsuma, their celebrated collaboration bringing together two singular musical voices.
Yano has long drawn inspiration from Japanese musical traditions, reimagining everything from children’s songs to min’yō (Japanese folk songs) through her own unmistakable musical language. Agatsuma, one of Japan’s leading Tsugaru-shamisen artists, is equally known for pushing beyond convention while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Together, Yano’s expressive piano and unmistakable voice meet the thrilling sound of Agatsuma’s Tsugaru shamisen. Their music honors the traditions from which it comes while approaching them with curiosity, virtuosity, and imagination.
The result is a captivating meeting of tradition and reinvention—and a rare opportunity to experience two extraordinary Japanese artists bringing the sounds of Japan into an entirely contemporary musical conversation.
Japan-America Society of Houston brings people together through vibrant cultural experiences, educational programs, and community engagement. By connecting Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates shared values, encourages discovery, and builds lasting friendships across cultures.
This performance will NOT be live-streamed.
All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE!
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX, United States, Texas 77030
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherMiller Outdoor Theatre
