Kakushin Nishihara, the Japanese musical UFO, in concert at the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris

Her name is Kakushin Nishihara, and she'll be in concert at the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris on Tuesday November 12, 2024, as part of the Festival d'Automne. A true Japanese musical UFO, revealed by musician, composer and producer Ryûichi Sakamoto, Kakushin Nishihara wields the biwa like few others can. But what exactly is the biwa? It's a short-necked lute. The history of this traditional Japanese stringed instrument goes back many, many years, with the oldest surviving instruments dating from the 8th century.

There are a number of rules to biwa playing, including the use of a bachi, a wide, fan-shaped plectrum. Made from very hard wood, the plectrum must be held in the full hand. In addition to its melodic and rhythmic role, it can also have a percussive function. Traditionally, the biwa player wears a kimono and plays kneeling on a cushion, the zabuton.

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One of the most renowned biwa players is Kakushin Nishihara. Born in Tokyo in 1971, the artist trained with the famous Kinshi Tsuruta. With her shaved head and multiple tattoos, notably on her arms and face, Kakushin Nishihara is a veritable musical UFO. Blending traditional Japanese music, singing and noise, each of his concerts is a true musical experience, sometimes even a shamanic one.

The singer and musician, who was influenced by punk music when she was young, has more than one string to her bow. Some have already heard her alongside Serge Teyssot-Gay and Gaspar Claus via the Kintsugi project. Others have discovered her on dance and theater stages.

As part of the Festival d'Automne, Kakushin Nishihara will be shaking things up with two exclusive performances, not to be missed on November 12, 2024 at 6pm and 8pm. Each concert, lasting 1 hour, will take place in the Maison de la culture du Japon 's small auditorium in Paris (on the first floor). Tickets are due to open on October 1, 2024.

Also as part of the Festival d'Automne, the Japanese artist will perform at the Théâtre de Gennevilliers, in the play"Yoroboshi: The Weakling", directed by Satoko Ichihara.