Artistic Collaboration bridges connection between Japan and Washington

Itchu brought his mastery of the three-stringed shamisen to the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Japanese Embassy in December as part of a four-city tour that also took him to Boston, New York, and Middletown, Connecticut.

Behind Itchu on the stage hung a large, multicolored Nihonga scroll painting created by West, who grew up in Washington but has lived as an artist in Japan since 1982. In addition to providing artwork for the concert, West served as Itchu's translator throughout the performance.

Flanked by a group of singers and musicians playing other traditional instruments, Itchu took audience members on a musical journey through ancient temples, street festivals and falling cherry blossoms -- with a detour into the red light district of Edo.

West's painting provided a vibrant backdrop for the music, complementing the different styles showcased by Itchu and his ensemble.

The crowd responded enthusiastically to the collaboration, with audience members lauding West's artwork before the show, and an extended ovation following Itchu's last song that clearly humbled the master musician.

In an interview with Kyodo News before he took the stage, Itchu described the connection he felt when playing for audiences outside Japan.

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