About Me

Yukihiko Yotukura
Lover of folk performing arts, musician, sound artist.
Exploring the culture and traditions nurtured by the land and its people, the concepts of hare and ke, as well as spaces, boundaries, sounds, and resonances. Primarily active in ambient and improvised music, with a wide range of other activities.

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Hello, my name is Yotsukura Yukihiko (also known as Yukki). I am a performing artist and a passionate advocate for traditional Japanese performing arts. My mission is to preserve and share the beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage, connecting the past and the present through music and storytelling. Thank you for visiting my profile and joining me on this journey of cultural discovery!

Activities

I am actively involved in a variety of creative and cultural pursuits:

1. Shishimai and Traditional Performing Arts
   As a member of a local shishimai (lion dance) preservation society, I dedicate myself to keeping this vibrant tradition alive. Beyond performing, I engage in documenting its historical roots and teaching its significance to new generations. Shishimai, with its dynamic movements and profound cultural symbolism, holds a special place in my heart.

2. Musical Performances
   My musical journey spans multiple instruments and genres. I compose original pieces that often incorporate elements of traditional Japanese music, blending them with contemporary styles to create performances that resonate with diverse audiences. My music draws inspiration from the landscapes, folklore, and rhythms of everyday life in Japan.

3. Workshops and Community Engagement
   I believe in the power of education and hands-on experience to ignite interest in traditional arts. Through workshops on kagura (sacred Shinto dance) and shishimai, I aim to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. Collaborating with communities, I work to create events that celebrate local traditions and strengthen cultural identity.

4. Writing and Documentation
   In addition to performances, I write about the history, techniques, and personal reflections on traditional Japanese arts. By sharing these stories, I hope to inspire others to explore and cherish the cultural heritage that shapes our lives.

Goals

• To inspire more people, both in Japan and around the world, to appreciate and engage with traditional Japanese arts.

• To bridge the past and present through innovative and heartfelt music and performance.

• To document and share the stories of local traditions, ensuring they endure for future generations.

• To create meaningful cultural exchanges that foster understanding and unity.

Contact
yukkin.y@gmail.com

Main Activities

• 2019: Released the compilation EP "Musics for Bamboos - EP" with Nami Sato.

• March 2022: Released the collaborative EP "Kikoetekuru Naminoyouni - EP" with BoomPam (Israel) as Spirit of Tohoku (featuring Eimi Shirasaki, ex-Shang Shang Typhoon, Gyozanryu-Mitobe Shishi Odori, Yukihiko Yotukura).

• September 2022: Performed in Israel as BoomPam + Spirit of Tohoku.

• May 2023: Participated as a Shinobue(Japanese bamboo flute) and Wadaiko(Japanese Drum) player in Maia Hirasawa's "Boom! Unite".

Other activities:

• Since 2008, active as a guitarist in the folk ambient duo "Coupie".

• Since 2012, active as a guitarist in the experimental improvisational music unit "Jai Machine".

• Since 2011, involved in creating Japanese taiko drums with the "Ogatsu Date no Kurofune Taiko Preservation Society".

• Since 2013, participating in the "Ogatsu Dobayashi Shishimai Misosaku Association".

• Since 2023, involved in folk and regional performing arts with the "Sendai Oni Kenbai Enthusiasts' Association".