With humour, integrity and deep respect for Ainu musical traditions, OKI breathes new life into ancient Japanese folk music through the rare tonkori harp. As one of the last living masters of the five-string instrument, he combines virtuosic fingerpicking and vocal harmonies with dub, psychedelic textures and global musical influences. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert experience when OKI brings his trio to ALICE this September.

The Ainu – the Indigenous people of Japan – lived for centuries on the island of Hokkaido in close connection with nature. But during Japan’s modernisation and expansion in the 19th and 20th centuries, they were forced to abandon their language, religion and cultural traditions. Today, only a small number of people carry this heritage forward, and among them OKI stands as one of its most important figures. He is one of the last remaining players of the tonkori, the five-string harp that lies at the heart of his music. With a rare ability to bring traditional Ainu songs into dialogue with dub, African rhythms, throat singing, Irish folk music and sounds from Central Asia, OKI has forged a musical language entirely his own. The result is music that is deeply rooted in tradition while remaining open to the world. Since releasing his debut album Kamuy Kor Nupurpe in 1996, he has recorded numerous albums both as a solo artist and with the acclaimed Dub Ainu Band, and is now widely regarded as the foremost innovator and ambassador of Ainu music on the international stage.

OKI’s path into music is closely intertwined with his personal story. It was only as a young adult that he discovered his Ainu heritage, after his mother had concealed the family’s background for many years. This encounter with Ainu culture sparked a lifelong search for identity, leading him from a career in New York’s advertising industry back to Hokkaido. There, he taught himself to play the tonkori and began the work of reviving a musical tradition that was on the verge of disappearing. Today, OKI is a cultural advocate, instrument maker and uncompromising musical innovator. His concerts are vibrant meeting points between past and present, Indigenous traditions and global currents – always delivered with infectious warmth and a generous sense of humour. Experience it all up close when OKI performs at ALICE with his trio this September.

Said about OKI
“The Ainu maestro curates a collection that gives his people’s endangered ancient sound a modern lease of life – with dub, harmony and dazzling percussion.” – The Guardian (selected as one of the ten best folk albums of 2022)

“This is a really, really good album. Folkloric with some electronic moments.” – Gilles Peterson, BBC 6 Music

“This eclectic record captures the Japanese musician’s distinct blend of Ainu folk music and international influences – mesmeric and spectral.” – Financial Times