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A Sonic Symphony Woven by the Souls of Kumamoto
The resounding beat of the taiko drum, the overflowing sound of the Tsugaru-shamisen. Two souls, nurtured in the grand embrace of their Kumamoto homeland, now break free as a single musical force. This is no mere collaboration of traditional instruments. This is a journey where two artists listen, elevate, and clash with each other's sound. Just like the music played by the unit KIZUNA, this album is brimming with a deep bond that transcends words and an insatiable passion for music.
From an early age, Hiroharu Kami of "Shamirock" immersed himself in the resonance of the taiko drum, which later inspired his unique fusion of Tsugaru-shamisen and rock music, while Taishi Takami on the taiko drum built a strong relationship of trust. The groove born from these two individuals shakes the listener's heart, speaking directly to their deepest emotions. The majestic mountains of Aso, the clear flowing water, and the warmth of the people of Kumamoto. The "wa" (Japanese-style) melody they play passionately and gently expresses their deep love and gratitude for their hometown.
Each of the six songs on this album tells its own independent story, yet all are connected by a single, large thread. With every listen, there is a new discovery and a deep resonance in the heart. This is truly the "wa" music of a new era, where the profound tradition and modern innovation intersect.
Their music holds both respect for the past and hope for the future. This sonic symphony, a cry of the soul played by the taiko drum and Tsugaru-shamisen, will make you forget your daily life and invite you on a musical journey filled with passion and emotion. This is a powerful masterpiece from the soul of Kumamoto, released to the world.
For Kumamoto, Japan-born Hiroharu Kamii, traditional Japanese instruments like Wa-daiko (Japanese Drum) and Shamisen (three-stringed lute instrument) and traditional Japanese music like Min'yō (Japanese folk music) have always been a part of his life because of his family. His earliest musical experiences came from his father, a Wa-daiko drummer who founded the Ozu-daiko style, and his mother, a Min'yō singer; he got his start on stage performing Wa-daiko and Min'yō with his brothers. At age 22, he began an 8-year education of the Tsugaru-jamisen style under master musician Tendai Fukui. From 2008-2011 Hiroharu was a singer, songwriter and drummer in the visual kei rock band LEON. Launching his solo career in 2012, he created a new music style ShamiRock, which is a fusion of rock and Japanese classical music with electric shamisen. In 2014, he took first place in the competitive South Kyushu Shamisen Tournament. He recently performed on Niconico chokaigi3 hosted by Niconico Douga, and Kumamoto castle festival.
Taishi Takami Profile Taishi Takami is an amateur taiko drummer who has achieved an unprecedented number of accomplishments. His journey with taiko began in his childhood, when he honed his skills under the tutelage of his father, Koichi, as a member of the Otsu Taiko group, performing at local festivals and community events. His talent truly blossomed in adulthood. In 2008, he debuted at a national competition to determine Japan's best taiko drummer and took home the championship, instantly gaining nationwide recognition. Since then, he has held the title of Japan's number one taiko drummer a total of nine times in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020. This is an unparalleled feat for an amateur performer. His performances are characterized by a masterful combination of powerful strikes and delicate tones. He captivates audiences with overwhelming force while also conveying a deep emotional resonance, maximizing the diverse appeal of taiko. He has also been highly praised for his technical skill, having won the top prize multiple times at the Great Taiko Drumming Contest held at Kumamoto Castle. Although his main profession is running an auto repair shop, his passion for taiko remains endless. In addition to teaching and mentoring the next generation of drummers, he has composed original songs like Kizuna and actively works to expand the possibilities of taiko by performing on live-streaming apps as Taiko Man TAISHI. His deep love for taiko and his earnest dedication continue to inspire and move many people.
ShamiRock Entertainment