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Hanamas Tour: String of Dreams from Japan
The Consulate-General of Japan and Universiti Sains Malaysia with the support from the Japan
Foundation organized a concert for introducing a new style of Japanese music at Dewan Budaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia on 14 December 2011. The young Japanese duo “Hanamas” were
presented a unique fusion of pop and soul music where East meets West with the combination of the
traditional Japanese instrument, Tsugaru-Shamisen and the violin.
Tsugaru-Shamisen (津軽三味線) is a three stringed Japanese lute, originated from the Tsugaru
region of Aomori Prefecture – the northern Tohoku area of Japan. Tsugaru-Shamisen music is often likened
to Jazz as it requires refined technique for speedy playing and allows musicians to express their
creativeness and sense of style. The unique sound of Tsugaru-Shamisen with an energetic rhythm and
a soulful sound captivates the audience’s attention.
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Chie Hanawa |
Natsumi Okimasu |
“Hanamas” is a Japanese – Western unit formed in 2009 by Chie Hanawa (Tsugaru-Shamisen player)
and Natsumi Okimasu (Violinist), graduates from the Tokyo University of Arts. Both have been playing
active roles in a variety of music genres by bringing out the best characteristics of each instrument.
“Hanamas” received the Prize for Encouragement at the 1st Neo Classical International Competition
in 2010 and has been actively performing in Japan as well as at overseas.
On 14 December, they performed a medley of folk songs featuring the Tohoku region such as Tsugaru
Jongara Bushi, Yagi Bushi, Akita Nikata Bushi and original pieces, LIFE, Kanon and Mozar-tokotoko
-Koshinkyoku （A Variation of Turkish March） with the guitar and drums in the back.
Hanamas performing on stage
They gave a marvelous performance by blending the two musical instruments into waves of
harmonious melody. The crowd gave them a thundering applause for their fantastic and lively
performance. For an encore, the duo played a mixture of Christmas themes in conjunction with the
upcoming Yuletide season to the delight of the audience.
Hanamas group with the guests of honour
The concert was attended by Y. Bhg. Prof. Dato' Susie See Ching Mey, Deputy Vice Chancellor of
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Professor Ambigapathy Pandian, Deputy Dean of School of Languages,
Literacies and Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Mr. and Mrs. Tetsuro Kai, Consul-General of Japan.
Prior to the concert in Penang, the duo was also invited to perform at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
(DFP) in Kuala Lumpur.
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