Yoshiaki Okawa: Echoes of Japan in a Night of Tradition and Culture

Performing Arts

In Person

Date: Nov. 8, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Yoshiaki Okawa (大川義秋), internationally known as “Kotomen,” is a virtuoso koto player—Japan’s national instrument—and hails from Fukushima Prefecture. His masterful technique and artistic sensibility have made him a leading figure in contemporary Japanese music, elegantly fusing traditional koto sounds with elements of pop and modern styles. The public in Huaura Province will have the privilege of enjoying his talent in a magical evening at the Plaza de Armas in the city of Huacho.

He has been crowned number one in Japan at the country's most prestigious koto competition and has received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, a distinction that recognizes his excellence and contribution to the musical arts. Inspired by his personal experience during the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, he has taken on a profoundly human mission: "To be a beacon of hope for those who suffer."

His artistic career transcends borders, with performances on international stages and appearances on media outlets such as NHK Educational TV and TV Asahi. As a member of the avex Japanese traditional instrumental group "Sakura-men," he continues to expand his musical vision, bringing the rich sounds of Japan to new generations. Appointed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as an "Official Ambassador for the Promotion of Traditional Japanese Music," Yoshiaki Ōkawa builds bridges between classical and contemporary music, reinventing musical language with a unique style that moves and connects with audiences of all ages.

cata2030 Updated Nov. 13, 2025