Japanese composer and guitarist Yukihiro Atsumi has had a multifaceted music career, collaborating with a wide range of well-known artists within and outside of Japan. In 2016, he moved from Tokyo to historical Kyoto to develop a new contemporary vision of traditional Japanese music that had never been attempted before.
Based out of a traditional-style Kura (stone house) studio in Kyoto, Atsumi concentrates on ancient classical Japanese music styles, such as “Hogaku” and “Minyo”, to accomplish his mission to present new classical Japanese music to a worldwide audience and to a younger generation. Atsumi integrates traditional Japanese musical compositions and styles while applying western instrumentation, such as the guitar, into his music .This mix dually celebrates the distinctive aspects of traditional Japanese culture as well as mirrors the complex convergence of ancient and modern influences in today’s Japan.
In 2016, Atsumi initiated the “Hogaku 2.0” project that connects Japanese classical with more modern music through the guitar, and, in August of that year, he released the first album of the series, “Japanese Guitar Song Book”.
In 2017, Atsumi hosted many Hogaku 2.0 events at Sanzenin Temple in Kyoto and throughout Japan where he played traditional Tendai music arranged in this modern style. In the same year, he also played classical Bunraku Nagauta on guitar at Kansai University Museum.
In 2018, Atsumi released his second album from the Hogaku 2.0 series, “Nippon Note 2.0”.
In addition to his focus on Hogaku 2.0, Atsumi has also been involved with Conguero Tres Hoofers, a trio that consists of guitar, percussion, and tap dance. The group released three albums.
In 2020, the third album in the Hogaku 2.0 series, “Kachofugetsu”, was released worldwide.
Atsumi has also initiated the “Playing Music Work” project with children in prep schools in Japan to encourage improvising and having fun with music at an early age. In addition, Atsumi also composes music for Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, TV commercials, and other singers, as well as makes environmental music for hotels and other spaces, ultimately intending to enrich our lives through music.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.