An award-winning, virtuoso master of the Japanese shamisen (a 3-string, banjo-like instrument) and a traditional Japanese vocalist, who has performed all over the world. She has been playing shamisen since she was 6 years old and performs both as a soloist, as well as in collaborations. Her ability and drive to cross over between traditional and modern Japanese music has recently seen her perform with renowned world musicians as well as traditional Japanese artists.
She also performs traditional Japanese songs (Minyo) which depicts the life and feelings of ‘older’ Japan, centring on the themes of love, family and the close connection with nature. Noriko’s recent achievements include the ‘Head Judge’s Special Award’ at the National Japanese Shamisen Competition held in Hirosaki – Japan, a solo performance at the Sydney Opera House and a number of dynamic shows at the International WOMADelaide world music festival. She also performed on the popular Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) music quiz TV show Spicks and Specks.

solo or with drummers