YOSHIAKI OKAWA
大川義秋：福島県出身の箏奏者。その卓越した技術と圧倒的な表現力で、多くの観客を魅了している。箏曲界最高峰とされる全国コンクールでは、見事日本1位を獲得し、2冠を達成。さらに、文部科学大臣賞も受賞した。自身が経験した東日本大震災をきっかけに、「傷ついた人々の希望の光になりたい」との想いを抱き、日本国内のみならず海外でも演奏活動を展開。公演の合間には、ストリートでの演奏も積極的に行っている。NHK Eテレやテレビ朝日など、数多くのメディアに出演し、YouTubeの総再生回数は7,500万回・フォロワー総数10万人を超え、各SNSのフォロワー総数も40万人以上を誇る。また、avexの和楽器グループ「桜men」のメンバーとしても活躍。文化庁より「邦楽普及大使」に任命され、その活動の幅を広げている。古典の演奏はもちろん、邦楽や洋楽を独自のスタイルで表現し、子どもから大人まで幅広い世代に親しまれている。
A koto performer hailing from Fukushima Prefecture, he captivates audiences with his masterful technique and overwhelming expressive power. Crowned Japan’s number one in the nation’s most prestigious koto competition—earning two major titles—he also received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award.Inspired by his personal experience during the Great East Japan Earthquake, he has been driven by a heartfelt mission: “To be a beacon of hope for those who are hurting.” His performances span not only Japan but also international stages, and he actively brings his music to the streets during breaks between concerts.He has appeared on numerous media platforms including NHK Educational TV and TV Asahi. His YouTube videos have garnered over 75 million views, and he commands a following of more than 100,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 400,000 followers across social media.As a member of the traditional Japanese instrumental group “Sakura-men” under avex, he continues to expand his artistic reach. Appointed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as an official “Ambassador for the Promotion of Traditional Japanese Music,” he bridges the classical and the contemporary, reimagining both Japanese and Western music in his own unique style—winning the hearts of audiences of all ages.