Sumie Kaneko

Sumie Kaneko is a New York–based koto and shamisen virtuoso, jazz vocalist, composer, and cultural ambassador. Born in Chiba, Japan, she began studying Yamada‑ryū koto at age 5 and won the Takasaki International Competition in 1995. After graduating from Tokyo National University of the Arts, she moved to Boston in 2002 to study jazz vocals at Berklee College of Music, earning her degree in 2006. Since relocating to New York, Sumie has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Blue Note NY, TED, the Getty Center, Boston Ballet, Yo‑Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Known for blending traditional repertoire with jazz and experimental styles, she has collaborated with artists like Paula Vogel, Yo‑Yo Ma, Evan Ziporyn, Kenny Endo, and Kaoru Watanabe. Sumie has toured in over 20 countries—often under the auspices of the Japan Foundation or Embassy of Japan—bringing rich cultural exchange through performances in South and Central Asia, South America, Europe, and beyond.

Kaneko-san has released two albums—J‑Trad & More and Dead of the Night—which feature her original compositions that traverse classical, folk, jazz, pop, and samba influences. In 2021 she performed solo shamisen at American Ballet Theatre’s season opener and continues composing new suites for traditional instruments.