Ryōichirō Yoshida is a renowned Japanese musician, best known as one half of the Yoshida Brothers, a duo celebrated for their mastery of the Tsugaru-jamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument from northern Japan. Born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Ryōichirō began learning the shamisen at the age of five, alongside his younger brother, Kenichi. Under the mentorship of Takashi Sasaki, a distinguished Tsugaru-jamisen artist, they honed their skills and developed a unique style that blends traditional Japanese music with contemporary and Western influences.
The Yoshida Brothers debuted in 1999 with their album Ibuki, which sold over 100,000 copies - a remarkable achievement for a traditional music release. Their innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, leading to performances worldwide and collaborations across various musical genres.
In 2015, Ryōichirō Yoshida joined the Non-Violence Project Japan as a Peace and Non-Violence Ambassador, reflecting his commitment to promoting peace through cultural expression.
As an ambassador, Yoshida continues to inspire audiences globally, using his art to bridge cultural divides and advocate for a harmonious world.
The Non-Violence Project Foundation is a non-profit organization with special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
