Ryo Shimamoto (嶋本 龍） 

Born in Wakayama prefecture, Ryo Shimamoto first experienced taiko playing at the age of eleven. At sixteen, he began playing taiko with a local group, Shippu Uchi Taiko. For many years, he chose careers outside of taiko, but at the age of thirty-two finally decided to become a professional taiko player.  Until his winning of first award winning, he studied with former Kodo player Katsuji Kondo, his mentor.  He now works as a full-time soloist and instructor. Shortly afterward, in 2011, he received the Outstanding Performance Award in the category of odaiko (large drum) solo performance at Okaya International Taiko Festival.  
 
Currently, Ryo teaches taiko locally and internationally, in person and online.  Has been an instructor for various workshops in Japan and outside of Japan.  He also performs as a soloist all over Japan. His well-known composition Yui is performed by avid taiko players all over the world. 


  
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Notable Prizes and Activities 

2011 Mount Fuji Taiko Festival Solo Top Place, Received Outstanding Performance Award 
2011 Okaya Taiko Festival International Odaiko Solo Competition 2nd place
2011 Taiko Festival in Kumagaya Odaiko Solo 2nd place
2012 Okaya International Taiko Festival Odaiko Solo Grand prize 
2016 1st annual Eitetsu Hayashi Cup Taiko Composition Competition 

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