Jorogumo

About Jorōgumo

Inspired by Japanese folklore, Jorōgumo tells the tale of the spider demon who lures her prey with beauty and deception. Featuring traditional instruments such as koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi, arranged and directed by Hisashi, the track fuses gothic and industrial metal with haunting Japanese textures.

This track takes listeners on a journey through twisted forests and shadowy realms, weaving a tale of temptation, entrapment, and dark enchantment.

See song lyrics.

They say Japan is a land of contrasts, and if so, this piece perfectly reflects modern Japan, where tradition mixes with modernity. Much is happening here, and interestingly, the incredible joy of playing is preserved, even with the present darkness. Surprisingly, it all fits and works well.

Pearl Hunting review by Mariusz Fabin

🇯🇵 HISASHI

HISASHI is a professional koto player and composer based in Japan. His unique style blends traditional Japanese music with modern compositions, influenced by his background in rock and electronic music. Hisashi has worked with clients worldwide and was a semi-finalist in the 2022 Petrichor International Music Competition. Hisashi has a passion for electronic music and experiments with modern sound making by sampling traditional Japanese instruments.

🇯🇵 REIGEN FUJII

REIGEN FUJII is a pioneering shamisen player who has established his own chord theory and adopted new performance techniques to develop innovative approaches to western music. As the youngest winner of a national shamisen competition, he actively promotes the instrument through workshops worldwide. Today he appears on TV shows and radio programs and collaborates with various artists.

🇯🇵 SOUZAN KATO

SOUZAN KATO is a professional shakuhachi player based in Japan. He is a certified master of the Tozanryu Shakuhachi Foundation and a graduate of Nagoya College of Music. He has received multiple awards, including the Gold Prize at the Tozanryu Honkyoku National Competition. Souzan’s international performances and lectures demonstrate his commitment to sharing Japanese musical traditions.

Koto

The koto is a traditional Japanese string instrument with a long, rectangular body made of paulownia wood and 13 strings stretched over movable bridges called ji. The koto is played by plucking the strings with the fingertips or picks attached to the fingers. It produces a delicate and ethereal sound associated with traditional Japanese music and culture.

Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese string instrument with a long, slender neck and a resonating body covered with skin. It typically has three strings plucked or strummed with a large plectrum called a bachi. The shamisen is used in various genres of Japanese music, including folk, classical, and theater music.

Shakuhachi

The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese flute made from bamboo, with a distinctive shape characterized by its end-blown design and simple, elegant appearance. It typically has five finger holes and one thumb hole, producing a haunting and meditative sound used in traditional Japanese music, Zen Buddhist meditation, and contemporary compositions.