Maya Yamao is a shamisen and kokyu performer whose work spans
classical Japanese music, stage productions, broadcast media,
international performances, workshops, and cultural exchange.
Maya Yamao began studying nagauta shamisen at the age of six and
spent part of her childhood in France. Her interest in Japanese
traditional culture deepened after appearing in a kabuki
performance in France led by Ichikawa Ennosuke.
She graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and completed its
graduate program in Japanese traditional music. Her work includes
performances, music direction, instruction, recordings, stage
productions, television dramas, films, and invited performances
abroad.