Yoko Hiraoka is a senior master performer of Japanese stringed instruments – Koto, Shamisen, Biwa — and singing voice. She is a native of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and studied classical string music from an early age. Ms. Hiraoka also studied the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony from age 14, and is a certified teacher of the art in the Omote Senke lineage.
Her professional performance career originated in Japan and spans over 35 years. Since moving to the U.S in 1993, she has performed extensively at prominent universities including Yale, Princeton and UCLA, festivals, lecture-recitals, and on television/radio and studio recordings. She also has been presenting the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony for cultural events in various cities throughout the U.S.
