While there are many classical musicians who take to fusion to bring modern interpretation and appeal to their music, for Japanese musician Haruyo Kimura, it seemed the most natural path to take. The multi-talented artiste, who plays the Niko, is equally at ease playing her traditional music and contemporary songs.
Brought to the city by The Bangalore School of Music in association with the Lotus and Chrysanthemum Trust, Haruyo dazzled Bengaluru’s music lovers with a series of performances across the city. The Niko is a two-stringed bowed instrument, which is often called the exotic two-stringed violin. Born in Kobe, Japan, Haruyo has performed across the world.
“Players of this instrument are very rare. You can call me the number one Niko player in India now,” she laughs and adds: “I play a range of songs in different styles, from classical songs to fast-paced, jazzy renditions, there is something for everyone in my performances.”
There is a theory that Ravana invented a version of the Niko, called the Ravanastron, which is believed to be the origin of many stringed musical instruments. The Niko was introduced to China through the Silk Route. In China, this instrument further developed for hundreds of years, where it was called Erhu. Japan, the final destination of the Silk Route in the East, finally made this instrument into its present form, the Niko, thousands of years after its creation.
Haruyo points out that there is also significant Western influence in her sound. “I play anything that suits this instrument. I adapt to the scenario and let my emotions guide me. Just like a singer who can sing anything that suits her voice, my instrument sings accordingly.
The Niko shares a place in the modern soundscape too since it can be used to dish out groovy numbers and pop songs just as well as traditional classical tunes.”
The Japanese artiste says the best thing about her instrument is that she plays it without lyrics. “That is an advantage for me since I can play all over the world. Language does not become a barrier for me to express myself and my music helps me make connections with anyone anywhere around the world.”
She adds that while her songs have descriptive titles such as ‘Cherry Blossom’ and ‘Horse Racing’, the rest is purely musical expression. “After I introduce the song, the rest is pure instrumental and I leave it to the audience to create the narrative on their own. Everyone can imagine their own perception of the music. The music weaves the storyline through my audience’s imagination.”
Commenting on Indian music, Haruyo says she would love to learn the sarangi.
“While raga is very important for Indian musicians, we have the typical scale but I don’t really stick to those lines. At the heart of my instrument is the voice. The sound is akin to a lady’s voice. I play this instrument as if I was singing so I hope my audience feels my voice through my music.”
Looking back, she recalls that she always loved singing. “Around 16 years ago, my mother’s friend gave this instrument to me as a gift and I fell in love with the sound. I went along the Eastern Coast and Shanghai to learn from masters. I haven’t stopped learning though. Every experience is a part of my learning curve. I had not played any other instrument before the Niko, but hard work pays off. People now call me the Diva of the Niko world,” she beams.
Haruyo affirms that her music is her life. “I want to die on the stage playing my instrument. It is a nice way to go,” she laughs.
The diva goes on to point out that one of her dreams is to collaborate with Indian musicians.
“I would love to play with a tabla player or a sitar player. The sitar, especially, draws me. It is similar to the Niko which is fit for Indian music as well. Also, when it comes to voice, maybe a male singer will harmonise well with my instrument.”
To anyone with a dream of becoming a musician, she one-lines a simple message: “Just practise.” She adds: “I used to practise for 12 hours a day since I did not pick this instrument up at an early age. I was in my 20s when I got the Niko so I worked very hard to master this instrument.”
On a parting note, the Japanese musician says although she can’t part with her wasabi, she loves Indian chaat. “My favourite is the pani puri!”
