Greetings sweet viewers, and welcome to Enlightening Entertainment. When traditional instruments meet contemporary tunes, it creates a fresh new ambience that is nevertheless close to our hearts. The Japanese ensemble, TONE, is one such inspiring encounter.

TONE was founded when the talents of three artists came together in 1988 in Hokkaido, Japan. Mr. Yukihiko Mitsuka plays shakuhachi, the Japanese traditional bamboo flute. Ms. Mihoko Ono plays koto, a Japanese traditional stringed instrument, and Mr. Ryoichi Soyama plays guitar. Together, they createa unique blend of old and new.

While the bamboo flute plays leading tunes with its spacious and melodic sound, the guitar provides a gentle accompaniment, and koto adds a shimmering effect. 

Moreover, their compositions in Western musical scales give these traditional instruments whole new roles.

The TONE members use their music to depict the majestic natural scenery of their native Hokkaido. From “the sound of the sea” to “the mountain pass,” from “summer rain” to “snow flurries,” each piece is a musical portrait of their homeland; each note is composed with love and a sense of nostalgia in their hearts. Now, let us enjoy “The Ishikari River,” composed by Yukihiko Mitsuka.

This piece vividly conveys the vibrant energy of the longest river in Hokkaido, the Ishikari River, following the water’s course from the snowy mountains through the lush plains to the vast Pacific Ocean.

The ensemble TONE’s music CDs are available at
www.tone-take1.com