Kouzan Oyama

Kouzan Oyama is a renowned Tsugaru Shamisen performer born in Ehime Prefecture, Japan in 1979. He discovered his passion for the Tsugaru Shamisen while attending Hiroshima City University, where he was part of the Tsugaru Shamisen club "Shamisen Tomo no Kai." Oyama majored in Koto at Sakuyou Musical Junior College and graduated in 1999. He is not only a skilled musician but also a martial artist, holding a second-degree black belt in Aikido. Oyama has achieved significant recognition in the music world, including winning a championship at the Tsugaru Shamisen World Championship in Hirosaki in 2018. He has also been involved in various media appearances and has taught Tsugaru Shamisen in both Japan and New York.

Oyama is known for his contributions to the Tsugaru Shamisen community, including creating educational materials such as DVDs for beginners and publishing sheet music for the Yoshida Brothers. He has performed at numerous venues, including concerts in New York, and has collaborated with other artists in various genres. Oyama is currently the president of Shishido Inc. and continues to teach and perform internationally, promoting Japanese traditional culture through his music.