June Kuramoto

June Kuramoto was born in Japan but raised in Southern California, where her passion for traditional Japanese instruments melded with American soul music. Classically trained on the koto, a 13-stringed instrument introduced to Japan from China in the 7th century, June sought to blend the koto's delicate sounds with the richness of the R&B music she loved. Her long association with the band Hiroshima helped elevate the koto, integrating it into diverse musical genres and has broadened her teaching and mentoring of Japanese traditional instruments while showcasing her exceptional skills to worldwide audiences. Her dedication to expanding the community of music makers and koto players is evident in her nearly 50 years as a music teacher. June's influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring the koto's legacy endures.