• event type: Concert
• start date type: 15 Sep 2009
• end date: 28 Oct 2009
• city/area: London, Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Utreht, Brussels, Edinburgh, Durham
• venue: University of London SOAS
• country: United Kingdom
• style(s): Japanese Traditional
• event submitted by: mu:arts

Tsuruga Wakasanjo XI is the world leader of Shinnai Joruri Narrative song, a form of Japanese traditional music flourished in mid Edo era( 18 Century). Widely recognized for the emotional depth he brings to his performances and exceptional vocal range and skill, Tsuruga Wakasonojo XI has been designated a Living National Treasure ( Ningen Kokuho) by the Japanese government and holds the premier professional name "Tsuruga Wakasanojo" of the shinnai world.
Shinnai is accompanied by the shamisen and can convey excitement or subtlety, elegance or drama, strength, urgency, happiness, sadness and passion.

Tsuruga Wakasanojo XI was born in Tokyo, 1938. He studied Shinnai Joruri music with his father, Tsuruga Isetayu, In 1973, following his father's death, he succeeded to the name Isetayu, then in 2000 he became the 11th holder of the title Tsuruga Wakasanojo.

He has been invited to perform in more than thirty cities abroad and he continuously challenges accessible presentation of the traditional Japanese music for his audiences world wid. In 2007, he performed Joruri in "English" at Smithsonian Museum, Washington CD. Through innovative collaborations with Kuruma Ningyo puppetry, Noh play and arts forms, in 2008 he collaborated with Tango Argentina at a major venue in Tokyo with highest acclaim.