Japanese band KAO=S are taking the art of live performance to a new level with their energetic approach to music.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
Japanese band KAO=S are taking the art of live performance to a new level with their energetic approach to music.
Courtesy KAO=S
Formed in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011, the trio wanted to find beauty in the devastation.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
Formed in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011, the trio wanted to find beauty in the devastation.
Courtesy KAO=S
To that end, they combine cultural icons familiar internationally like the samurai swords, masks and kimonos into their performance. They also use traditional Japanese instruments in their compositions.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
To that end, they combine cultural icons familiar internationally like the samurai swords, masks and kimonos into their performance. They also use traditional Japanese instruments in their compositions.
Courtesy KAO=S
Shuji Yamagiri is the band's leader as well as the principal songwriter and acoustic guitarist. During KAO=S performances, he often sings in a variety of styles, including Japanese folk, shouka, rock and pop.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
Shuji Yamagiri is the band's leader as well as the principal songwriter and acoustic guitarist. During KAO=S performances, he often sings in a variety of styles, including Japanese folk, shouka, rock and pop.
Courtesy KAO=S
With tradition and heritage a strong element in the band's ethos, the band member known as Jack plays the Tsugaru-shamisen, a classical three-stringed Japanese instrument that is plucked to produce beautiful melodies. But putting a modern twist on the instrument, Jack also uses sound distortion tools to bring a freshness to the band's sound.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
With tradition and heritage a strong element in the band's ethos, the band member known as Jack plays the Tsugaru-shamisen, a classical three-stringed Japanese instrument that is plucked to produce beautiful melodies. But putting a modern twist on the instrument, Jack also uses sound distortion tools to bring a freshness to the band's sound.
Courtesy KAO=S
Kaori Kawabuchi is the heart of the band as lead vocalist and sword master. She displays incredible agility and force during her dynamic and intense katana samurai dances and helps the band translate their musical ambitions through the art of movement to a new level.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
Kaori Kawabuchi is the heart of the band as lead vocalist and sword master. She displays incredible agility and force during her dynamic and intense katana samurai dances and helps the band translate their musical ambitions through the art of movement to a new level.
Courtesy KAO=S
When Kawabuchi isn't on stage with KAO=S, she works as a motion capture artist for Hollywood films and video games such as the popular "Final Fantasy" franchise.
Finding beauty in KAO=S —
When Kawabuchi isn't on stage with KAO=S, she works as a motion capture artist for Hollywood films and video games such as the popular "Final Fantasy" franchise.
Courtesy KAO=S