Tsuyoshi Inoue

Tsuyoshi Inoue (井上 強嗣), originally from Chitose in Hokkaido, began studying min’yō folk singing at age three and learned the shamisen from age five. While attending Hokusei Gakuen Yoichi High School, he actively performed shamisen and sang folk tunes across Hokkaido. Known for his rich, resonant vocals and powerful Tsugaru shamisen skills, he has become a rare “two‑weapon” performer in the folk music scene—earning acclaim as a “modern lion carrying on the spirit of min’yō.” Alongside his folk repertoire, Inoue has also sung enka from childhood, debuting his first original enka song in 2020.