Celebrated for his innovative approach, he’s combining traditional koto sounds with self-designed costumes to create a unique and captivating experience. KOTOMEN, the renowned koto player dedicated to breathing new life into the traditional instrument, is joining us in person at NärCon this year!
About KOTOMEN Yoshiaki Okawa
KOTOMEN Yoshiaki Okawa, born in Fukushima, Japan in 1995, began playing the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, at an early age. He has twice won the top prize at the prestigious Japanese Musical Instruments Competition and is a popular koto player whose social media videos have been viewed 100 million times. Notably, he was in charge of the koto tones for the anime “One Piece: Wa no Kuni Hen.”
Celebrated for his innovative approach, he’s combining traditional koto sounds with self-designed costumes to create a unique and captivating experience. He is dedicated to breathing new life into a 1,300-year-old Japanese music tradition.
His exceptional talent has earned him 1st place and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the highest national koto competition. His performances have been featured on prominent media platforms, including NHK E-Tele and TV Asahi.
In addition to his achievements in Japan, he is active in composing music and performing internationally, having showcased his talent in five countries around the world. With over 100 million views on social media, he is garnering widespread attention.
His dream is to have his works performed all over the world, expressing his own music and showcasing top-tier performance skills while excelling as a costume designer and a Youtuber.
Last year, KOTOMEN joined SJPA and NärCon for an exclusive online Q&A session, where fans had the chance to interact with him in real time. The event featured a self-introduction, live questions from attendees, and a deep dive into his musical journey.
At the end of the session, KOTOMEN shared his heartfelt wish to one day visit Sweden in person—and now, that dream is coming true!
This year, KOTOMEN is coming to NärCon IN PERSON for not just one, but two stage performances with his beloved koto instrument.
But that’s not all—he’ll also host a hands-on workshop, where you’ll get the chance to try the koto yourself!
📲 Check out the full schedule below, and don’t forget to bookmark the events in the NärCon app.
You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience!
Thursday 16:00〜| Stage Avenue
KOTOMEN Stage Show / コトメンステージショー
A live performance by KOTOMEN, a koto artist with over 400,000 followers across social media, sharing the beauty of Japan’s traditional instrument with the world!
From classic Japanese pieces to J-POP and anime songs, enjoy a diverse and exciting selection of music that captures the spirit of Japan—performed live on stage.
Friday 20:30〜| Stage Avenue
KOTOMEN Stage Show / コトメンステージショー
A live performance by KOTOMEN, a koto artist with over 400,000 followers across social media, sharing the beauty of Japan’s traditional instrument with the world!
From classic Japanese pieces to J-POP and anime songs, enjoy a diverse and exciting selection of music that captures the spirit of Japan—performed live on stage.
Saturday 17:30〜| KY24, KEY-HOUSE
KOTOMEN Workshop / コトメンワークショップ
Experience the sound of the traditional Japanese instrument, the koto, by actually touching and playing it yourself!
You’ll get to hear the beautiful tones often featured in anime—live and up close! No prior experience is needed, and beginners are more than welcome.
Come enjoy the soothing sound of this traditional Japanese instrument through a hands-on experience!
Stay updated with KOTOMEN latest news and events by following him on his social media channels!