Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Fumiyoshi, born Kobayashi Fumiyoshi in Niigata in 1974, has been a driving force in modern shamisen since turning professional in 2000. Specializing in hiki-shamisen, he blends Tsugaru tradition with cross-genre collaborations, pushing the instrument into contemporary and global contexts. He formed the shamisen trio Three Line Beat on January 1, 2016, releasing the singles Kamikaze and Soramichi in 2016. Fumiyoshi has graced stages from the Louvre Museum in Paris (2011) to Carnegie Hall in New York (2019), bringing traditional Japanese music to international audiences. He also directed the Niigata Takahashi Chikuzan Society since 2019, guiding a new generation of shamisen players. While we honor his artistic legacy, this page provides a respectful, informative overview of his work, discography highlights, and the best ways to experience his music live. For fans seeking authentic, reliable access to performances, we’ve got you covered.