About
Shinobue artist, composer, and educator creating cinematic Japanese bamboo flute music
From Yokohama to the Shinobue
I was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, where music first entered my life through the piano at the age of four.
I later came to the United States to continue my musical studies, focusing on piano and voice, and eventually earned a master’s degree in opera performance.
For many years, I lived inside the world of Western classical music—learning its discipline, its emotional depth, and its stagecraft. I loved it, and I still do.
But something unexpected happened later in life.
A New Voice, Chosen with Intention
At age 54, during the pandemic, I made a decision.
If I had to stay inside, I would use that time fully.
I committed myself to the shinobue—not casually, but with focus and discipline.
I committed myself fully to the shinobue—with focus, discipline, and the intention to bring the instrument into public performance within a year.
And I did.
But what began as a personal challenge quickly became something much larger.
A Hidden World
As I immersed myself in the instrument, I ran into obstacles I hadn’t expected.
Reliable information was scarce—especially in English.
For those who don’t read or speak Japanese, the path is often unclear and fragmented.
Finding a quality shinobue outside Japan can be very difficult.
I realized this wasn’t just my challenge.
It was a barrier for people around the world who felt drawn to the sound and spirit of the shinobue.
That’s when my focus expanded.
A Growing Mission
I began sharing what I was learning from my teacher, Bunta Satoh sensei.
Through my YouTube channel—now a growing community of over 3,500 subscribers—I offer guidance, insights, and access to knowledge that is often difficult to find.
Because this instrument deserves to be heard beyond Japan.
And people deserve a clearer path to it.
At the heart of this work is a simple belief:
It is never too late.
You are never too ANYTHING to begin.
Finding My Artistic Voice
While teaching and sharing, something else was quietly taking shape.
A deeper artistic voice.
At age 60—just six years after first picking up the shinobue—I created my first album, Tales of Shinobue.
Not as a technical milestone, but as an expression of something I could no longer hold back.
I realized: this is the time to tell these stories.
Through cinematic and emotionally driven compositions, I hope to bring the voice of the shinobue to listeners beyond its traditional boundaries.
And I don’t want to leave this world with that music still inside me.
Sharing the Sound
My work has been shared in spaces that celebrate cultural exchange, listening, and reflection:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
University of Wyoming
The J.M. Smuckers Co.
…and more
Each performance is an invitation into a quieter, more attentive way of listening.
Let’s Connect
Whether you are here to listen, to learn, or simply to explore—
You are welcome here.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to stay connected.
I share music, insights, and resources for both listeners and learners walking their own path.