Profile of Chofu Yanai

Chofu Yanai's long career music had started when he learned Koto at the age of 6 and　Shakuhachi at 8. Since then, he has been devoting himself to introducing and teaching　Japanese traditional music to men and women,young and old.

　In 1963 he established　Yanai Traditional Music Academy in order to contribute to better understandings of　Japanese culture through Japanese traditional music.

On the other hand, he has long experience not only in Japanese music but also in　Western music. After having learned singing, conducted method, and composition,he has regularly conducted many choruses and orchestras.

It is important to note that he has been playing a great role in contributing to　music industry by getting acknowledged of different types of music: Japanese music　and Western music.

　His continuous efforts in promoting Japanese traditional music caught much attention　to the agencies for Cultural Affairs from all over the world. Starting 1974, he has performed in America, Canada, Oceania, Asian countries, Eastern Europe, former Soviet Union, and soon. Overall, he has performed for more than 80 times in 30 countries.

In 1982, he established Chofu Ensemblewhich consists of 30 members and played at all sorts of music festivals, such as folk music festivals from all over the world and Japanese music festivals.

Having gained game as a leading musician in Japanese musicboth at home and abroad, he had appeared on TV commercial for over a year in 1988. His passionate andpowerful performance impressed and inspired many people to get into Japanese traditional music world. In 1992 he made great efforts to establish a foundation at Harvard University to introduce Japanese music and Japanese culture in America.

He has been giving recitals called 'Kaze no Shirabe' (the Wind Tone) since1979.
In November, 1996, he gave the 25th recital and played songs composed by him.

At the present, he works as ;

• the founder of Yanai Traditional Music Academy,
• the president of Yanai CO., Ltd.,
• the regular conductor of Chofu Ensemble and Yanai Chamber Ensemble, the executive supervisor with Systems Yajima,
• the Japanese representative　manager of Harvard Buddhist Studies Forum.
• Visiting professor,School of Asia 21, Kokushikan University.