harp & Soul

March 21, 2018

This special performance will feature harpist Kaoru Arai-Colucci and acclaimed singer/guitarist Aimee Blackschleger playing an assortment of famous songs. You’ll hear well-known classical songs, favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as modern pop hits. You can enjoy a rare chance to hear the sounds of a live concert grand harp, and even try to play the instrument yourself after the show. Aimee B’s beautiful voice has been featured in video games such as Final Fantasy, and in commercials for several companies including Honda, Disney mobile, and Softbank.

Tokyo-born harpist Kaoru Arai began studying under renowned harpist Kumiko Inoue at age 13 and graduated with honors from Musashino Academia Musicae. Her performances span classical, jazz, pop, and world music, and she frequently collaborates with artists across genres.

Kaoru recorded the award-winning soundtrack for Then and Now, a documentary about the 2011 East Japan earthquake and tsunami. She later formed the group Harp & Soul, and more recently the harp duo Les Colocs. Known for her innovative style, Kaoru performs worldwide on both concert and electric harps and has been praised internationally, including at the 2014 World Harp Congress in Sydney.

Aimee is an American singer-songwriter living and working in Tokyo. Her voice is frequently heard on Japanese television, including the theme song for NHK’s MARE. She has written lyrics and sung in commercials for numerous major companies such as Mitsubishi, Uniqlo, and Honda.

Aimee’s vocals are also well known in the anime and video game worlds. In 2015, she performed with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Tales of Orchestra live concert. She has provided backup vocals for Japanese artists Ai, Kiyokiba Shunsuke, and the rock band HY, and appears on AKB48’s 2015 album KOKO GA RHODES.

Inspire Tokyo 2025Produced by Kikokushijo Academy

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