Koto Master & Multi-Instrument

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I am especially proud of my performance as a member of the G20 Orchestra during the G20 Countries’ Cultural Ministers Meeting at the Borobudur Temple. My role was to represent the fusion of cultural heritage and professional excellence on a world stage. Being selected for such a prestigious international event required not only technical mastery but also the ability to collaborate with top-tier musicians under high-pressure conditions. Performing in front of global leaders at a historic site was a profound reminder of how music can bridge nations. This project remains a cornerstone of my career because it demanded the highest level of professionalism and reinforced my commitment to bringing Japanese traditional sounds to a global audience.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently, I am working on several exciting fusion projects, including recording Koto for a series of Lo-fi hip-hop tracks and providing violin layers for a cinematic game soundtrack. My studio is constantly buzzing with a mix of traditional Japanese melodies and modern electronic production. In addition to my session work, I am busy managing my music education business, 'English for Vocal,' where I help bridge the gap between international instructors and students. I’m also preparing for upcoming recordings that explore neo-classical arrangements—constantly finding new ways to integrate the Koto into genres where it’s least expected. Whether it's a commercial commission or an artistic collaboration, I’m always focused on delivering high-quality, soulful performances.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I have had the pleasure of collaborating with several talented producers and composers on SoundBetter, and I am always happy to recommend professionals who prioritize emotional depth and sonic clarity. I especially respect those who are open to cultural fusion and understand how to weave traditional instruments into modern contexts. If a client is looking for a specific production style—such as cinematic scoring or modern Lo-fi beats—I would be glad to suggest collaborators whose workflow and artistic vision I trust. For me, SoundBetter is about building a high-quality community where we help each other elevate the final piece of music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I believe in the 'Best of Both Worlds' approach. For the source, I am 100% Analog—nothing can replace the physical resonance, the organic vibrations, and the 'soul' of a live Koto or Violin recorded with a high-quality microphone like the AT4040. The unpredictability and warmth of an analog instrument are what make music feel human. However, I embrace Digital for its precision and flexibility. Recording into a modern DAW allows me to provide clients with pristine, high-resolution stems that can be seamlessly integrated into any production. This hybrid approach ensures that you get the ancient, authentic spirit of the instrument with the professional convenience and clarity of modern digital standards.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise to you is simple: Authenticity, Precision, and Professionalism. I treat every project with the same level of care and respect as if it were my own composition. This means you will receive: # Authentic Sound: No shortcuts—just real, organic performances from a certified Koto master. # Sonic Excellence: Pristine, mix-ready stems recorded in a professional soundproof studio. # Creative Reliability: Whether I’m working from sheet music or arranging by ear with my perfect pitch, I promise to deliver parts that serve the soul of your song. I am not satisfied until the recording perfectly captures the vision you have in your head. Your music deserves a voice that is as precise as it is emotional.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most is the moment of 'musical discovery'—when the ancient, organic resonance of the Koto breathes new life into a modern track. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with composers from different cultures and genres, helping them realize a sound they might have only imagined. > Every project is a unique puzzle. Whether I’m using my perfect pitch to transcribe a melody by ear or layering delicate violin textures over a cinematic score, I find joy in the process of bridging East and West. Being able to share the soul of Japanese tradition with the global music community from my own studio is a privilege that keeps me inspired every single day.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Common Question 1: "I don't have sheet music. Can you still record the Koto part?" My Answer: Absolutely. I have perfect pitch and am very comfortable arranging by ear. Many of my clients send me a simple MIDI track, a hummed melody, or a rough demo, and I translate that into an authentic Koto performance that fits your song’s harmony and vibe. Common Question 2: "In what format will I receive the files?" My Answer: I deliver high-quality, 24-bit WAV stems that are "mix-ready." This means the recordings are synchronized to your project's BPM and recorded in my soundproof studio with a professional signal chain, so you can drop them straight into your DAW without any hassle. Common Question 3: "Can you provide a mix of both traditional and modern styles?" My Answer: Yes! With my background in both the Sawai Koto Institute and Western classical music, I can provide anything from a purely traditional Japanese sound to a cinematic, contemporary fusion layer depending on your project's needs.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: The biggest misconception is that the Koto is only suited for traditional Japanese folk music or 'zen' atmospheres. In reality, it is an incredibly versatile instrument that can sound powerful, percussive, and avant-garde. It fits beautifully into modern Lo-fi, cinematic scores, and even electronic music. Another common misconception is that hiring a live musician requires you to have perfect sheet music ready. Because I have perfect pitch and a background in both Eastern and Western music, I can work from rough demos or just a melody in your head. People often think high-quality samples are 'good enough,' but they miss the human breath and the organic resonance of the strings that only a live, professional recording in a soundproof studio can provide.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: To ensure I deliver a performance that perfectly aligns with your vision, I typically ask the following: 1. What is the emotional "story" or "vibe" of the track? (e.g., Is it cinematic/grand, or minimalist/intimate?) 2. Are you looking for a strictly traditional Koto performance, or a modern fusion style that fits a contemporary mix? 3. Do you have specific sheet music, or would you like me to arrange the part by ear based on your melody? 4. How "prominent" should the instrument be? (Should it be the lead focal point or a subtle, atmospheric layer?) 5. Do you have any reference tracks or specific artists whose sound you admire for this project?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: My biggest advice is to look for a provider who understands both the technical and cultural aspects of the instrument. When hiring for Koto, it’s not just about the notes; it’s about the phrasing and the authentic 'spirit' of the performance. Don't worry if you don't have sheet music—a professional with perfect pitch can often help you arrange the part by ear. However, providing a rough reference track and a clear description of the emotional 'vibe' you’re aiming for will help ensure the best results. Finally, always ask about the recording environment; a dry, noise-free stem from a soundproof studio will save you hours of frustration during the mixing stage!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d prioritize the tools that allow me to keep creating and capturing music at the highest quality: 1. My Koto: My primary voice. Its organic resonance is all I need to find inspiration in any environment. 2. Audio-Technica AT4040: A versatile workhorse that captures every nuance of the strings with incredible honesty. 3. My Violin: For its portability and its ability to provide a completely different emotional texture. 4. A MacBook Pro (with Logic Pro): My digital canvas for arranging and mixing the worlds of East and West. 5. A pair of high-end Studio Headphones: To ensure I can monitor the pristine clarity of my recordings, no matter where I am.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: My musical journey began over 20 years ago with classical training in piano and violin, eventually earning my Licentiate degrees from the Royal School of Music and Trinity College London. While rooted in Western classical traditions, I discovered a profound connection to my heritage through the Koto. > I spent years refining my craft to become a professional Koto master and authorized instructor of the Sawai Koto Institute. My career has since taken me to international stages, including performing for the G20 Cultural Ministers at Borobudur Temple and touring the UK with the TRUST Orchestra for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Today, I combine these two worlds in my professional soundproof studio, providing authentic recordings for clients worldwide. My path has always been about mastering the bridge between East and West.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as 'Contemporary Ethnic Fusion'—a blend of ancient Japanese soul and modern Western sensibilities. My approach is defined by lyrical storytelling and sonic precision. Whether I am playing a traditional Koto melody or a classical Violin arrangement, I focus on the emotional resonance and the 'space' between notes. I strive to create a sound that is atmospheric, evocative, and deeply cinematic, bringing a sense of timeless elegance to every production I touch.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with Hans Zimmer. His ability to integrate non-Western instruments into massive, cinematic soundscapes is legendary. I believe the Koto has a unique percussive and melodic quality that could add a profound emotional layer to his atmospheric compositions. Collaborating with a master of hybrid scoring would be the ultimate way to push the boundaries of what my instruments can achieve.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Focus on the 'breath' between the notes, especially when recording organic instruments like the Koto or Violin. In modern production, it’s tempting to quantize everything or clean up every bit of finger noise, but the soul of a live performance lives in the micro-timings and natural resonance. My tip: When layering live instruments over an electronic track, try leaving the 'attack' of the acoustic instrument slightly unquantized. This creates a natural 'human' feel that pulls the listener in. Also, always pay attention to the room’s natural decay—capturing a clean, noise-free tail in a soundproof environment allows you to apply much more transparent compression later in the mix.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I primarily work on cinematic scores, video game soundtracks, and modern fusion projects like Lo-fi hip hop and ambient electronic music. My expertise lies in any genre that benefits from a blend of organic, traditional textures and contemporary production. Due to my background as a multi-instrumentalist, I am also frequently involved in neo-classical arrangements and world music collaborations. Whether it’s providing a haunting, minimalist Koto melody for a film cue or an intricate, rhythmic layer for a modern beat, I enjoy working on projects that prioritize emotional atmosphere and cultural authenticity.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is the ability to seamlessly integrate authentic Japanese Koto into Western musical frameworks. While many can play the instrument, my background as a classically trained violinist and pianist with a Licentiate degree allows me to understand harmony, counterpoint, and cinematic structure from a Western perspective. This unique duality, combined with my perfect pitch, enables me to improvise, arrange, and record complex parts by ear that feel culturally authentic yet musically modern. I don’t just provide a "sound"—I provide a sophisticated musical bridge that elevates a track's emotional and narrative impact.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a unique bridge between Eastern tradition and Western musicality. With my background as a professional Koto master and a classically trained violinist and pianist, I offer more than just a recording; I provide a deep understanding of how these diverse worlds can blend harmoniously. When I add Koto to a track, I bring an authentic cultural soul that goes beyond samples—capturing the breath, the subtle string bends, and the emotional resonance that only a live instrument can provide. Because I have perfect pitch and experience in cinematic scoring, I can intuitively identify what a song needs, whether it's a delicate, haunting melody or a powerful, rhythmic layer. I don’t just play notes; I enhance the storytelling and emotional depth of your music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My workflow is designed to be collaborative, efficient, and transparent: 1. Consultation & Concept: We discuss your vision, the emotional tone of the track, and any specific references or sheet music you have. If you don't have a score, I can arrange parts by ear using my perfect pitch. 2. Recording & Performance: I record multiple takes in my soundproof studio, focusing on pristine audio quality and capturing the authentic nuances of the Koto, Violin, or Piano. 3. Draft for Feedback: I send a rough mix or a preview clip to ensure the direction aligns with your expectations. 4. Final Delivery: Once approved, I deliver high-quality, mix-ready stems (WAV, 24-bit) that are synchronized and ready to be dropped into your session. 5. Refinement: I offer revisions to ensure the final result is 100% perfect for your production.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record in a professional, dedicated soundproof studio to ensure a pristine, noise-free environment for every take. My primary microphone is the Audio-Technica AT4040, which captures the rich, natural harmonics of the Koto and the delicate nuances of the Violin and Cello with exceptional clarity. I use high-quality preamps and an industry-standard DAW setup to deliver 24-bit, high-resolution stems that are mix-ready and ready to be dropped straight into your production. Whether it’s a solo koto or a layered string ensemble, I focus on maintaining a clean signal chain and a warm, professional sound.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I am deeply inspired by Ryuichi Sakamoto for his mastery in blending delicate Asian textures with sophisticated Western harmonies. In the realm of cinematic music, Joe Hisaishi’s emotive storytelling and Hans Zimmer’s powerful soundscapes are major influences on how I approach my Koto arrangements. I also find inspiration in modern fusion artists who push the boundaries of traditional instruments, integrating them into electronic and lo-fi genres while maintaining their cultural soul.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: The most common work I do is providing high-quality, authentic Koto recordings for cinematic scores, video game soundtracks, and modern Lo-fi projects. Since I am also a classically trained pianist and violinist with a Licentiate degree, I often help clients bridge the gap between Western and Eastern music. Whether it's a haunting solo melody or a complex layered arrangement, I deliver mix-ready stems that fit seamlessly into their production. Clients often rely on my perfect pitch for quick transcriptions and ear-copying, especially when they don’t have sheet music ready.