A Virtuoso Redefining the Sound of Traditional Japanese Instruments
The rising talent known as “Leo,” who is redefining the future of the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, will return to the Blue Note Tokyo stage for the first time in three years.
At just 16 years old, Leo became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Kumamoto National Hogaku Competition, and later received the Idemitsu Music Award in 2019. From collaborations with orchestras in Japan and abroad, to becoming the first koto player to perform at Blue Note Tokyo, LEO continues to challenge and reshape perceptions of traditional Japanese instruments.
His latest album, microcosm was released in July 2025 and features experimental collaborations with artists across genres and borders, including Francesco Tristano, Lausbub and U-zhaan.
This performance will feature Leo on koto, Shohei Amimori on synth and Kazuya Oi on drums. The first show will open at 15:30 and start at 16:30. The second show will open at 18:30 and start at 19:30.
