The Yoshida Brothers were born and raised in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. Each picked up the shamisen at the tender age of five, and began studying Tsugaru shamisen under Takashi Sasaki I in 1990. After sweeping prizes at national Tsugaru shamisen conventions, the brothers recorded their major debut album
The Yoshida Brothers were born and raised in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. Each picked up the shamisen at the tender age of five, and began studying Tsugaru shamisen under Takashi Sasaki I in 1990. After sweeping prizes at national Tsugaru shamisen conventions, the brothers recorded their major debut album in 1999. It sold over 100,000 copies, which is an extraordinary figure for a traditional folk music release.
They won the Traditional Japanese Music Album of The Year category of the 15th annual Japan Gold Disc Award, as well as the "30th Anniversary of the Harmonisation of Japan-China Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Special Prize" of the 17th Annual Japan Gold Disc Award, and continue to take the stage not only in Japan but also the US, Europe and Asia.