Learn about Japanese instruments
Enjoy an afternoon of tea and music as our accomplished musicians from Masazumikai, a koto and shakuhachi ensemble based in San Diego, discuss the elegance of the Koto and the spiritual and meditative shakuhachi. The musicians will delve into the history of the koto and shakuhachi, how sheet music is read in Japan, the secret to the distinct sound of Japanese instruments and much more!
October 3rd 2026
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Education Center
Price: $5 *Registration required. This doesn’t include the admission.
Guest Speaker: Junko “Masazumi” Mizuno and Jonathan Crick from Masazumikai
About the Speakers
The Masazumi Kai koto ensemble, consisting of koto, sangen (shamisen) and shakuhachi, has been performing in San Diego area schools and other public areas since 1971. The group performs a variety of music ranging from classical Japanese to modern. And has even performed with a Suzuki violin group, as well as a Japanese dancing troupe.
Masazumi Kai concerts have featured marimba, harmonica, shakuhachi and koto artists, most notably Iemoto Nakashima, the head of the Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music, and the celebrated composer and virtuoso, Shinichi Yuize, under whom Masazumi Mizuno studied koto and sangen in Tokyo.
Twelve of Masazumi Misuno's students have taken their tests in Japan to receive the Junshihan, or Assistant Teacher Degree, four have gone on to receive their Shihan or Teacher Degree, and one has even achieved her Daishinan, or Grand Master's Degree.
Masazumi Kai has been performing annually at the Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom Festival, Fall and Spring Sumi-e shows, and the Buddhist Temple of San Diego's cultural bazaar. Also perform at local libraries as well as retirement homes.
Masazumi Mizuno continues to teach koto and sangen and perform at various venues including schools throughout San Diego as part of the Youth Audiences program in the hope of spreading appreciation of Japanese culture.
If you have any questions, please email programs@niwa.org