MITSUNE

(JP)

Mitsune is a Japanese folk fusion band based in Berlin and recognised for mixing traditional Japanese folk music with psychedelic, cinematic and ritualistic sounds, while infusing their performances with a punk spirit. The band's core lies in the Tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed lute that was once made famous by blind, itinerant musicians in ancient Japan. Mitsune reveres and reinvents the tradition of the shamisen, telling his own stories through the evocative tones of this ancient instrument. Their live shows are a vibrant mix of raw energy, stunning visuals and a touch of humour, creating an unforgettable experience.

Since forming in 2018, Mitsune has toured Europe extensively, sharing stages with renowned artists such as Hiatus Kaiyote and captivating crowds at festivals ranging from techno to folk. techno ao folkHis debut album received praise from Songlines Magazine, which judged it ‘consistently excellent’ and recommended it as a perfect contemporary introduction to the world of Tsugaru shamisen. Their second album, ‘Hazama’, was acclaimed by Songlines and Rolling Stone and was nominated for the prestigious German Record Critics Award. A third album is scheduled for release in 2025, further expanding their genre-defying sound.