New Year’s Greeting

I would like to extend my sincere New Year’s greetings.

I am deeply grateful for the generous support and many opportunities I received throughout the past year in my performance activities.
It was a particularly meaningful year in which I had the privilege of sharing the sound of the koto with audiences both in Japan and abroad, and of witnessing a growing international interest in Japanese culture through music.

In the coming year, with the continued growth of inbound tourism in mind, I hope to further explore ways to communicate the spirituality, aesthetics, and depth of traditional Japanese music in a manner that is both accessible and profound.
By viewing music not only as a performing art but also as a bridge for cultural exchange, I will continue to dedicate myself earnestly to my artistic practice.

I sincerely wish you good health and continued success in the year ahead, and I respectfully ask for your continued guidance and support.

Rie Asai
Koto Artist