I, AKI TAKAHASHI was born in a small fishing village in Japan. Although I always harboured a secret desire to become a musician, inspired as I was by a grandmother who was always singing folk songs, my path towards realizing this dream was not direct. Along the way, I studied art at school and then worked for a company in Kyoto creating designs OBI for kimono. While living in Kyoto, I took up the study of folk singing and shamisen and have performed at many festivals and events throughout Japan.

Since arriving in Canada, I have furthered my pursuit of traditional Japanese music with the addition of taiko drumming and has continued to collaborate with numerous artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds and disciplines.

In 2003, I became a member of Canada's pre-eminent taiko drumming NAGATA SHACHU. The group has performed widely in theatres, concert halls and festivals throughout Canada, the US and Europe. I started writing numerous ensemble songs, which opened my eye. design posters and postcards for the group. I directed the concert in 2007.

At the same time, I also work as ten ten creating my own, original compositions performing solo or ensemble.

I enjoy organizing ten ten events with many guest artists. I have choreographed dance pieces to accompany my music, and have produced music for both film and the stage. more info

I currently teach taiko drumming, shamisen and voice. more info