PROFILE of Yumiko Reimei

Yumiko is a koto soloist.  She is part of the Japanese music organization Korei Hogakukai, directed by her father,Yoshio Hiratsuka.  
Along with her father, they have appeared on television, given radio interviews and lead workshops around the globe.
This ensemble has performed in Asia—including Bhutan, India, Philippines, Nepal, China, and Hong Kong; in Europe including UK, Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, Croatia, and Holland; in Oceania—including New Zealand, and Australia; and  Africa and the Middle East—including Ethiopia, Syria, Turkey and Yemen.

Valentina Pecora and Yumiko Reimei performing in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Together this duo is known as "Kikyo".

WHAT IS KOTO?

The koto came to Japan about 1,300 years ago and the Japanese adapted this beautiful instrument to suit the their style of music.  The koto is made from paulownia wood.  It has ivory bridges to help adjust the sound.  The koto is decorated with inlays.  Originally the strings were of silk, but now synthetic fibers’ are used to create the beautiful sounds.