Mitsune
Japanese Folk Fusion
“Consistently excellent. If you need a contemporary introduction to the world of Tsugaru shamisen, this is it.”
Songlines Magazine
Mitsune blends traditional Japanese folksong with psychedelic, cinematic and ritual music, crafting original compositions that breathe new life into ancient narratives The Berlin-based 4-piece serves modern folklore with driving beats, raw emotion, and decadent costume design.
With its multicultural tapestry of musicians from Japan, Australia and Greece, Mitsune has attracted attention worldwide, with praise from publications like Rolling Stone and Songlines magazine ("consistently excellent", "an ensemble with an ocean of potential"). Their album Hazama entered the Transglobal World Music Chart's Top 10 and was nominated for the German Record Critic's Prize, and a follow-up is set for release in 2025.
Undeniably a revelation of 2025 after their concerts at Transes Musicales, Womex, and Eurosonic, this unbridled quartet continues to tour the most beautiful stages in Europe. You either love it or you hate it: there's no middle ground; as evidenced by their live performances, which can now be found on KEXP and CultureBox. Their new album is scheduled for 2026.
News
• Womex 2024
• New Single octobre 25
• New Album 2025
Stages
Womex 24 (UK), Festival Transmusicales Rennes 24 (FR), ENSN (NL), Vieilles Charrues (FR), Festival du Bout du Monde (FR) Pin Conference (MK), Fifty Lab (BE), Womad Cáceres (SP), Dour Festival (DE), Sziget Festival (HU), Colours of Ostrava Festival (CZ), Fusion Festival (Karl Kutter Stage) - Lärz (DE), Festival MED (PT), Festival Hop Pop Hop (FR), Europavox (FR), Cosmojazz (FR), Nancy Jazz Pulsation (FR)...
Press
FIP Radio "At the Transmusicales, Mitsune lit up the main stage of Hall 08 with his psychedelic journey, both visual and musical."
Destination Rennes "Mitsune among the groups to absolutely see at the Transmusicales"
Ouest France "Mitsune in these bands which marked the 46th edition of Transe Musicales"
Songlines Magazine “Since their inception, the group have cultivated a sense of maturity that shines on their sophomore album Hazama, which exudes confidence, energy and creativity.. Fun and eclectic, while maintaining a strong sense of identity, Hazama is a fantastic second release from an ensemble with an ocean of creative potential.”
Rock N Reel Magazine “Mitsune have carved out a unique niche thanks to their respect for the tradition and for the open-minded approach that led to the creation of this startlingly original music.”
Rolling Stone India “Through their vocal harmonies and use of traditional instruments..the outfit delivers immersive performances across the record.”
Songlines Magazine "Consistently excellent. If you need a contemporary introduction to the world of Tsugaru shamisen, this is it.”
Tour 2025
15.02 Japan Impact Lausanne (CH)
24.04 Kulturbad Bonn (DE)
01.05 Roots & Hybrid Festival Aarhus (DK)
08.05 Music Magic Myth Festival Tours (FR / 37)
21.05 Sargfabrik Vienna (AT)
22.05 Kulturfabrik Kufstein (AT)
30.05 Fest Volcan de Nuit Nuits Saint-Georges (21 / FR)
31.05 La Petite Halle Paris(FR / 75)
04.06 Panke Berlin (DE)
05.06 NattJazz Festival Bergen (NO)
05.06 Melahuset Oslo (NO)
11.06 Rio Loco Toulouse (FR / 33)
07.07 Festival du Péristyle Lyon (FR / 69)
08.07 Les Estivales Chambery (FR / 73)
10.07 La Lampisterie Brassac-les-Mines (FR / 63)
11.07 Guinguette Chez Alriq Bordeaux (FR / 33)
12.07 Les Nuits Atypiques Langon (FR / 33)
14.07 Les Suds Festival Arles (FR / 13)
18.07 Vancouver Vancouver (CA)
23.07 Calgary Calgary (CA) TBA
26.07 Salmon Arm Salmon Arm (CA)
08.08 Young Artists Festival Ulcinj (MO)
15.08 Maifeld Amüsement Mannheim (DE)
28.08 Festival Etetrad Aosta (IT)
29.08 Théâtre de l’Orangerie Genève (CH)
13.09 Luftschloss Berlin (DE)
26.09 Malzhaus Plauen (DE)
15.10 Le Milieu Forcalquier (FR / 84)
16.10 La Soierie Faverges (FR / 74)
17.10 Fri-Son Fribourg (CH)
18.10 Unberton Insbruck (AU)
05.11 Valencienne (59) TBA
Booking Info
4 musicians based in Berlin, available all year round except from 20.01 to 28.02 2025
Shiomi Kawaguchi - Shamisen, Vocals, Shinobue
Youka Snell - Shamisen, Vocals
Daigo Nakai - Bass, Vocals
Petros Tzekos - Percussion