Maya Nemoto

Maya Nemoto (根本 麻耶) is a prominent Japanese Minyo (folk song) singer and Tsugaru Shamisen player who was immersed in traditional music from a young age due to her family’s artistic background. She began formally studying Minyo and the Tsugaru Shamisen at age 11 and later honed her skills through an apprenticeship at the renowned Minyo establishment “Oiwake” in Asakusa, Tokyo, after high school. Even before her official debut, Nemoto garnered significant acclaim, winning the “Shonen Shojo Minyo Taisho” (Youth Minyo Grand Prize) in 1995, achieving 15 consecutive victories in Kyodo Minyo Association competitions, and receiving an Excellence Award at the NHK Minyo Young Festival.

Nemoto officially debuted as a Minyo singer in 2007 and is a key member and vocalist for the traditional Japanese entertainment group “Abeya” (あべや). Known for her extensive repertoire covering Minyo from across Japan and her skill in Tsugaru hand-dancing, she possesses a captivating stage presence described as “華” (hana) – brilliance and charisma.