Umekichi

Japanese vocalist and shamisen player, who specializes in the traditional zokkyoku repertoire. Born in Kurashiki, Okayama on December 8 (year unknown). She first studied traditional variety music at the National Theatre and then worked as a percussionist in traditional variety (yose) theatres, while studying hauta with Hiyama Sakura. She made her debut as a singer in 2000 under the name Hiyama Umekichi.