Music! Dance!
Hear sounds unique to JapanFest as top performers bring a fusion of Japanese and other world sounds to the Gas South Center.
Lineup subject to change.
Kruziki Transatlantica - Shakuhachi & Jazz
Kruziki Transatlantica presents an uplifting and energetic set of jazz fusion, featuring Atlanta-based musicians Aaron Kruziki on the shakuhachi (an end-blown bamboo flute used traditionally in Japanese Zen Buddhism) and alto saxophone, Emrah Kotan on drums and percussion, and Jackie Pickett on the contrabass. You will enjoy selections from the kinko and tozan shakuhachi schools and modern songs such as Ryuichi Sakamoto’s theme song from “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.”
Aaron Kruziki was born in a small town in central Wisconsin and now resides in Atlanta. A 2019 Juno Award winner (Jazz Album of the Year), Aaron has appeared at jazz festivals in North America, Europe, and Africa. Aaron has recorded woodwinds for artists and producers including Vulfmon (Vulfpeck), Lizzy McAlpine (RCA), Antwaun Stanley (Vulfpeck), Tristan Clopet (Amazon Motion Picture soundtrack), and Nahuel Bronzin (63rd annual Grammy winning producer).
Junko Fujiyama - Piano player and singer
Junko Fujiyama is a singer-songwriter and talented piano player born and raised in Japan. She has been performing at JapanFest for last decade, and her core fans come back to this event year after year just to see Junko. She also has performed at numerous cultural events, benefit shows, music festivals and local clubs. She arranges J-pop/rock and anime songs, adding American pop flavor and making them sweeter.
Shotaro & Maki - Dabuka and Dance
Shotaro is a skilled darbuka player from Japan, known for his role in TABLA KWAIESA, Japan's pioneering Arab percussion band. The darbuka, a hand drum with origins in the Arab world and Middle East, is commonly used in belly dance music. Shotaro's performances blend traditional and contemporary rhythms, reflecting his deep passion for the rhythmic traditions of the Arab world, the Middle East, and the Balkans. His dynamic style and energy have earned him the nickname "Darbuka Rockstar."
Maki, from Next Stage Dance Studio, began dancing at the age of 7 and has a diverse career history in Japan. Since moving to Atlanta in 2021, she has made notable appearances, including performing as the sole Japanese artist at the Copa America 2024 opening ceremony at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Maki has featured in various Atlanta media, such as shows for the Atlanta Hawks and the Kinokuniya Grand Opening, and has been involved in radio, television, and print. As the director of Next Stage Dance Studio and a dance instructor at Emory University, she is dedicated to revitalizing the Japanese community through dance.
Waon Neo - Junko, Kyle and Yumi
Junko, Kyle, and Yumi form an exceptionally talented trio that comes together once a year at JapanFest to present a truly unique and mesmerizing fusion of piano and shamisen music. The shamisen, a distinctive three-stringed Japanese instrument with its roots in the Chinese sanxian, is played with a plectrum known as a bachi.
This fusion of piano and shamisen creates a captivating East-meets-West musical experience, blending traditional Japanese sounds with contemporary influences in an innovative way.
Their performances are renowned for skillfully bridging the gap between traditional Japanese melodies and modern genres. Audiences are treated to an eclectic range of music, from enchanting classical pieces to dynamic anime, pop, and rock hits. Each show is celebrated for its dynamic energy and inventive arrangements, offering a musical journey that transcends cultural boundaries and engages listeners on a deep level.
Join Junko, Kyle, and Yumi for an unforgettable experience that promises to take you on a sonic adventure where every note tells a story and every melody sparks inspiration. Their artistry and passion create a performance that leaves a lasting impression and has audiences eagerly anticipating their next appearance.