In a captivating celebration of her life and career, renowned koto player June Kuramoto was honored with a standing ovation at a sold-out event on October 19th at the Democracy Center in Little Tokyo. Kuramoto's remarkable journey, from a young girl in Saitama, Japan to a pioneering force in the world of smooth jazz, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the Japanese American community.

Honoring a Lifetime of Groundbreaking Artistry

From Saitama to the Spotlight

Kuramoto's story is one of resilience and artistic innovation. As a teenager, she was known for her unique talent, playing a traditional Japanese instrument that captivated audiences. However, it wasn't long before Kuramoto's mastery of the koto would become the foundation for her identity as a trailblazer in the world of music. Arriving in America at the tender age of six, Kuramoto's journey has been marked by a steadfast dedication to her craft and a willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered possible.

Embracing Change and Defying Tradition

As Kuramoto began to fuse classical and contemporary styles, moving away from the traditional koto music, she faced criticism from purists. "My sensei was mad at me," she recalled, reflecting on the challenges she encountered. However, Kuramoto's unwavering commitment to her artistic vision never wavered. "You have to step out of the box," she advises. "Don't be afraid of change." This spirit of innovation and risk-taking has been the hallmark of Kuramoto's career, as she has consistently challenged the status quo and paved the way for a new generation of musicians.

Hiroshima: A Groundbreaking Collaboration

Kuramoto's influence on the world of smooth jazz is undeniable, particularly through her work with the Grammy-nominated band Hiroshima. As the band's co-founder, Dan Kuramoto, noted, the group's performance at Howard University in 1991 was a pivotal moment, where the audience connected with the band's unique sound. "I could tell there was something very different going on," he recalled. "She had the feel." Kuramoto's koto style has since become a signature element of Hiroshima's music, captivating audiences and earning the band critical acclaim.

Honoring a National Treasure

Kuramoto's remarkable contributions to the arts have been recognized with the prestigious 2024 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. This lifetime achievement award is a testament to Kuramoto's dedication and the profound impact she has had on the preservation and growth of diverse cultural traditions in the United States.

A Celebration of Community and Artistry

The event that honored Kuramoto's life and career was a testament to the deep respect and admiration she has earned from her peers, fans, and the broader Japanese American community. Organized by filmmaker Janice Tanaka and a group of koto music enthusiasts known as Team Kotomoto, the program featured a series of panel discussions and a captivating performance by brother-and-sister duo Emily Kinaga Wong and Brandon Kinaga Wong, who played one of Kuramoto's signature compositions, "Thousand Cranes."The celebration also brought together Kuramoto's siblings, including her brother Tracy Okida and sisters Julia Carlblom and Eimie Des Marais, who shared their own experiences with the koto and the profound influence their sister has had on their lives and the lives of countless others. As Dan Kuramoto eloquently stated, "Now that we're here, making a statement about being Japanese American, Asian American, people of color, all people on the planet, there's no turning back."The event's emotional climax came with Kuramoto's poignant rendition of "Cry of the Sea," a composition that she co-created with Kimo Cornwell and Diane Louie. This powerful performance, featuring vocals by Miko Shudo, served as a heartfelt plea for love, peace, and compassion, encapsulating the essence of Kuramoto's artistry and her unwavering commitment to using her music as a force for positive change.