Australia_Noriko Tadano and Wadaiko Rindo_Japanese Cultural Day_Brisbane 

Noriko Tadano plays both traditional Japanese folk songs (Minyo) as well as original pieces on the Tsugaru Shamisen (Japanese Banjo). She has been playing Shamisen since she was 6 years old and has performed in Japan, Europe, Canada, Tonga and at festivals and events all over Australia. Noriko's recent achievements include the '2009 Head Judge's Special Award' at the National Japanese Shamisen Competition held in Hirosaki - Japan, a solo performance at the Sydney Opera House and a number of dynamic shows at the International WOMADelaide world music festival with George Kamikawa 2010. She also performed on the popular ABC music quiz show 'Spicks and Specks' in February 2010.
Noriko is the founder of Australia's first Shamisen group the 'Shamys'. They formed in 2005 and have performed at cultural festivals and concerts throughout Victoria. With a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, the Shamisen ensemble creates powerful and synchronised sounds that engage the audience.