Yano et Agatsuma Produced by Japan America Society Houston
Tickets will be available at 10:00 AM
on Friday, September 11.
This performance will NOT be livestreamed!
Pianist, singer-songwriter, and musical icon Akiko Yano celebrates the 50th anniversary of her solo debut with a special Houston performance.
One of Japan’s most distinctive and influential musicians, Yano has spent five decades creating music that moves effortlessly across genres and borders. From her groundbreaking debut album Japanese Girl, backed by Little Feat, to collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, Rei Harakami, and Hiromi, Akiko’s music is full of warmth, mischief, and virtuosity.
For this performance, she reunites with Tsugaru-shamisen virtuoso Hiromitsu Agatsuma as Yano et Agatsuma, their celebrated collaboration bringing together two singular musical voices.
Yano has long drawn inspiration from Japanese musical traditions, reimagining everything from children’s songs to min’yō (Japanese folk songs) through her own unmistakable musical language. Agatsuma, one of Japan’s leading Tsugaru-shamisen artists, is equally known for pushing beyond convention while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Together, Yano’s expressive piano and unmistakable voice meet the thrilling sound of Agatsuma’s Tsugaru shamisen. Their music honors the traditions from which it comes while approaching them with curiosity, virtuosity, and imagination.
The result is a captivating meeting of tradition and reinvention—and a rare opportunity to experience two extraordinary Japanese artists bringing the sounds of Japan into an entirely contemporary musical conversation.
Japan-America Society of Houston brings people together through vibrant cultural experiences, educational programs, and community engagement. By connecting Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates shared values, encourages discovery, and builds lasting friendships across cultures.
All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE!
Plan your visit!
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a Miller regular, it’s always good to have a plan. Click below for rules, tips & tricks — so you know what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your night!
This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) from our website one day prior to the performance starting at 10:00 AM through noon the day of the show, or until tickets run out. We always reserve plenty of tickets available for in-person pick up at the box office, which opens an hour before the show starts. As always, open seating on the hill. Our shows go on rain or shine!
For more information on tickets and seating click here.
Photos are being taken at this event and may appear in Miller Outdoor Theatre’s print or digital communications or marketing materials. By attending this event, you hereby authorize MTAB to use your photograph in any and all use related to the educational mission of MOT without compensation.
All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
