Recognized as cultural icons in Japan, the Yoshida Brothers are bringing their igneous sound to the US for the 28th Japan Expo this weekend in Los Angeles.
As rising international stars, the Yoshida Brothers are best known for taking their ancient instrument of choice, the Tsugaru Shamisen, and infusing compositions with the speed of modern rock music. The duo has used the instrument, mildly comparable to a Western three-string banjo, to pull themes from folk, jazz, blues, pop, and Latin music.
In the United States, the Yoshida Brothers’ music is most commonly recognized from a recent series of commercials for the Nintendo Wii. The duo’s latest album, Hishou, was relased in February of this year with Domo Music Group.
The Japan Expo, a large US-Japan event designed to strengthen ties between the two nations, is focused this year around a theme in “Japanese Aesthetics and Art.” The event occurs this Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in South Hall K. The Yoshida Brothers will perform at 4:30 pm on December 1 and 4:00 pm on December 2.
Yoshida Brothers: domo.com/yoshidabrothers
Japan Expo 2007: japanexpo.org
Domo Music Group: www.domo.com