Advance booking discount 2800 yen (Eat & drink orders are required)

3000 yen Same-day (Eat & drink orders are required)

Cast: Cruz del Sur de Japon [Koji Hishimoto (Kena/g) /Claudia Andrea (vn/vo) /Kenichi Kuwabara (Charango) /Tsutomu Katsuno (Kena/Seek) /Kohei Takeda (Quena/Seek)]

A contest (= group) formed with the participation of young musicians active in the Japanese Bolivian music industry, with Japan's leading folklore performer Koji Hishimoto as the leader. They go around elementary, middle and high schools all over the country and spread folklore to children in art appreciation classes. You can enjoy a variety of Bolivian folklore, from wind instruments to vocals.

◎ Koji Hishimoto: I met Keena and Seek at the age of 13, and began performing activities while attending university. In 1982, he came to Bolivia at the invitation of charango player Ernesto Cabourg, and after working as a guitarist for the Cabourg Trio, etc., he became the leader of the Bolivian group “Luz del Ande” from 1986, and has continued to give great stimulation to the Bolivian folklore world until now with a clear concept and unique sound making. He also stayed in Bolivia from 90 to 96, performed with Musica de Maestro and many other talented artists, and participated in over 30 albums. From the viewpoint of folklore, they consider the original meaning of music and practice various activities all over the country.

◎ Claudia Andrea: Born in Labas, Bolivia. Studied violin at La Paz music school. Joined “Musica de Maestro” in 2000 and participated in performances in Bolivia and abroad such as Europe, America, and China. He joined “Akabana” in 2001 and participated in tours in Japan and Europe. He has lived in Japan since 2005 and participated in “Cruz del Sur” in 2015. Also active as a solo singer-songwriter

◎ Kenichi Kuwabara: I returned to Japan in 2018/12 after working in Bolivia for a total of 10 years. In addition to Tokyo Rama Project and activities in the 3-person Andes, he is also active as a Charango YouTuber.

◎ Tsutomu Katsuno: I met Andean music when I was in college, and began performing Quena and Sampoña. In 2007, he traveled to Bolivia in South America to study quena and sampona. After returning to Japan, he formed his own group and worked mainly in Keihanshin. It places emphasis on the sound of the instrument, and has a reputation for its core tone.

◎ Kohei Takeda: Born in 1987. I met Quena at age 10 and joined the local Quena Circle. After that, he leaned towards Andean instruments such as sampona, charango, guitar, etc., and performed at various events including the local area since he was in junior high school. Joined the long-established folklore group “Grupo Cantati” from the age of 18 and started working as a professional. I also visited Bolivia twice and experienced local recordings and live performances. Currently, in addition to performing Andean music, he is active in a wide range of activities, such as sessions with various genres, composing original songs, participating in anime and game music, and supporting performances by singers.