Takeo Yamashiro

“Takeo Yamashiro offers a taste of aural Zen via the soothing sounds of the Japanese shakuhachi flute.” – The Province (Canada)

Born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1943, Takeo Yamashiro studied the shakuhachi for seven years with Master Shuzan Yamashita in Kyoto and in 1971, was promoted to uchideshi (protege and successor) to Master Koku Kikusui in Kyoto. With this mastership, he was awarded the professional name, Rempu, which means Lotus Wind. Living in Vancouver since 1972, Takeo has remained committed to the shakuhachi and has introduced Japanese music and the shakuhachi to thousands through his performances across North America.

He has performed in concert and toured as a solo artist as well as with Themba Tana, Uzume Taiko and Kokoro Dance and many other groups and musicians.

Takeo was featured as part of the Verdant Stones Project at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Other highlights include his performances at previous Vancouver Folk Music Festivals, the Mariposa Folk Music Festival, the Powell Street Festival, Bumbershoot, at the Michio Miyagi Anniversary Concert in Seattle, Katari Taiko’s 15th Anniversary Concert at the Vancouver Playhouse and in concerts at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.

Recordings:
NYO (1998, Lotus Wind Records)
Takeo Yamashiro – Shakuhachi (1990, Aural Tradition)

Takeo’s music is also featured on three Uzume Taiko recordings, Chirashi, In Your Dreams and Every Part of the Animal.

“…It brings to one’s mind the haunting music of bygone days and traditions. It is music that is always pleasant, music that soothes and hypnotises the listener in a most beguiling way. And the way Yamashiro performs on his instrument simply transforms us into his distinctive tradition, transcending the mundane in our life into a realm of magical beauty.” – CHQM 1320 (Vancouver, Canada)