Vocals
Kinzaburo Abe (阿部金三郎) is a celebrated Japanese Tsugaru shamisen virtuoso. Coming from a family of folk singers, he began rigorous training early and at just 12 years old inherited the Takahashi‑ryū title “Kinzaburo.” At age 20, he won the national Tsugaru shamisen competition in 2005, becoming its 8th champion.
He co-founded the ensemble “Abeya” with his brother Ginzaburo, recording the albums Zero (2005) and Ichi (2010), later touring with taiko groups and holding performances across Taiwan and over 15 countries, including Mali, which was featured on Mezamashi TV. In 2012 and beyond, he led Abeya’s international workshops in the U.S. and Europe, showcasing a compelling blend of traditional crafts—Tsugaru shamisen, folk singing, shakuhachi, and dance—infused with vibrant entertainment flair.
