Fumie Hihara

Fumie Hihara is a Japanese koto and shamisen player who began studying the koto at age 9 and the shamisen at 15, eventually earning teaching qualifications for both instruments. After graduating from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music with a focus on koto and shamisen performance, she built a career through solo work and cross-genre collaborations, including theatrical productions and film projects. Known for composing koto music and researching historical instruments like the haniwa-goto, she expanded her artistic reach to Europe – particularly France – where she’s performed at venues like the Avignon Festival and Opéra de Lyon since 2004, later establishing herself as a koto/shamisen instructor in Paris.

Her discography spans both Japanese and international recordings, including collaborative works like *Olivier Calmel: La légende de Kaguya-Hime* and traditional Japanese music compilations such as *Chant, koto et shamisen*, reflecting her dual focus on preserving tradition and exploring contemporary partnerships.

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