Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
From Taiwan’s cultural roots to Helsinki’s experimental soundscapes, Zuiko’s musical journey transforms tradition into bold new forms. genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In this episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we enter Zuiko’s world – where the Tsugaru shamisen, a fiercely expressive Japanese three-stringed lute, meets haunting folk vocals and the raw energy of experimental rock. Through live performance and conversation, we explore how this visionary artist reimagines one of Japan’s most ancient instruments for the sound of today.
Zuiko plays us a fresh reworking of Kokiriko-bushi – one of Japan’s oldest folk songs – transformed through a shimmering blend of Shamisen, voice and experimental sound textures.
A Taiwanese Shamisen player, vocalist and composer, Zuiko honed their craft in Japan under master teachers, after completing studies at the Sibelius Academy’s Global Music Department in Helsinki. Their music – whether solo or with the genre-bending bands TATAKI and Kaôs – crosses borders of style and culture, earning recognition on international stages. Their accolades include 1st place in the 2023 Bachido Cup (Ensemble Division) and 2nd place in the 2024 Japan Biwako Tsugaru Shamisen Competition.
More about Zuiko’s work:
Instagram: instagram.com/zuiko_shyamisen
YouTube: youtube.com/@zuiko_shamisen
TikTok: tiktok.com/@zuiko_shamisen
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy's Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a renowned composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world.
Stay tuned – in our next episode, we’ll meet another remarkable musician redefining the global soundscape.
To learn more, visit genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Uncovering Music ID
02:00 – Meet Zuiko: Shamisen Player from Taiwan
02:22 – Drums to Shamisen: A Life-Changing Encounter
05:17 – Shamisen: Its Story and Different Styles
08:58 – Stepping Away from Tradition: Searching for His Own Voice
23:33 – Live Performance: “Kokiriko Bushi” – Traditional Japanese Folk Song from Toyama Ken
37:17 – Poetry Reading: “Dēng Guàn Què Lóu” by Wáng Zhīhuàn (Tang Dynasty, China)
From Taiwan’s cultural roots to Helsinki’s experimental soundscapes, Zuiko’s musical journey transforms tradition into bold new forms. genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In this episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we enter Zuiko’s world – where the Tsugaru shamisen, a fiercely expressive Japanese three-stringed lute, meets haunting folk vocals and the raw energy of experimental rock. Through live performance and conversation, we explore how this visionary artist reimagines one of Japan’s most ancient instruments for the sound of today.
Zuiko plays us a fresh reworking of Kokiriko-bushi – one of Japan’s oldest folk songs – transformed through a shimmering blend of Shamisen, voice and experimental sound textures.
A Taiwanese Shamisen player, vocalist and composer, Zuiko honed their craft in Japan under master teachers, after completing studies at the Sibelius Academy’s Global Music Department in Helsinki. Their music – whether solo or with the genre-bending bands TATAKI and Kaôs – crosses borders of style and culture, earning recognition on international stages. Their accolades include 1st place in the 2023 Bachido Cup (Ensemble Division) and 2nd place in the 2024 Japan Biwako Tsugaru Shamisen Competition.
More about Zuiko’s work:
Instagram: instagram.com/zuiko_shyamisen
YouTube: youtube.com/@zuiko_shamisen
TikTok: tiktok.com/@zuiko_shamisen
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy's Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a renowned composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world.
Stay tuned – in our next episode, we’ll meet another remarkable musician redefining the global soundscape.
To learn more, visit genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Uncovering Music ID
02:00 – Meet Zuiko: Shamisen Player from Taiwan
02:22 – Drums to Shamisen: A Life-Changing Encounter
05:17 – Shamisen: Its Story and Different Styles
08:58 – Stepping Away from Tradition: Searching for His Own Voice
23:33 – Live Performance: “Kokiriko Bushi” – Traditional Japanese Folk Song from Toyama Ken
37:17 – Poetry Reading: “Dēng Guàn Què Lóu” by Wáng Zhīhuàn (Tang Dynasty, China)
