Katsuya Yokoyama

Katsuya Yokoyama is one of the key masters to introduce shakuhachi to the world in the 20th century. His father, reknowned shakuhachi maker, Yokoyama Ranpo taught him the Kinko style while he was young. Later, Yokoyama became the student of legendary hocchiku master, Watazumi-do and studied Fuke style honkyoku from him as well as an abiding spirituality in playing shakuhachi. He also studied a more romantic style of playing from the popular shakuhachi composer Fukuda Rando.

In 1967, Yokoyama played on November Steps, composed by Takemitsu Toru, with reknowned Biwa master,Tsuruta Kinshi. This was the first time traditional Japanese musical instruments were combined with western orchestra. Through November Steps, Yokoyama established himself as a major force in the shakuhachi world. Yokoyama was also the founding memeber of the famous shakuhachi trio, San Bon Kai (Three Flutes Group), composed of Aoki Reibo, Hozan Yamamoto, and himself.

Throughout his illustrious career Yokoyama  has received numerous awards and has consistently toured all over the world and produced many best-selling recordings of shakuhachi music and was the brainchild of the first International Shakuachi Festival which gave birth to the World Shakuhachi Festivals.