Sachiko Kimura (Japanese: 木村さち子), better known by her stage name Kyōsen Kineya (Japanese: 杵屋響泉), is a Japanese Nagauta shamisen master. In October, she was honored by the Mayor of Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture as the city’s oldest resident. Today, her age has been officially validated by LongeviQuest.
Nagauta, meaning “long song” in Japanese, is a traditional genre of Japanese music that originated in the Kabuki theater. It is characterized by its poetic lyrics and melodic structure. Nagauta typically tells a story or conveys emotions through music, and its themes can range from classical literature and history to nature and love. The shamisen is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument that resembles a lute, used to play many forms of Japanese music, including Nagauta. It has three strings and a long neck, with no frets.
(Source: YouTube/moviecollectionjp)
Kyōsen Kineya was born in Tsukiji, Tokyo, on 15 November 1914, as the only daughter of the renowned Nagauta shamisen master Kankurō Kineya V. She began her shamisen and singing training at age 4 under her father’s guidance, but after his passing, she continued her lessons with her mother, also a skilled Nagauta performer. Due to her asthma, her family relocated to Odawara in 1923 for a healthier environment, following the damage to their home from the Great Kantō Earthquake. In honor of her late father, she adopted the stage name Kyōsen Kineya, based on his retirement name.
At 14, she began teaching shamisen and trained over 300 disciples throughout her life. Even at 105, she continued to mentor around seven students daily. In 1947, at 32, she married Takashi Kimura, a poet 12 years her junior, and they had two daughters. Her husband’s literary influence enriched her Nagauta performances, deepening their emotional expression and passion.
Kyōsen Kineya performing at Kioi Small Hall in Kioicho, Tokyo, in March 2013, at the age of 98. (Source: 致知出版社)
At the age of 105, despite her age, she remained highly active in the Nagauta community and continued to inspire audiences with her performances. Although she has retired from performing, her legacy lives on through her daughter, Rokkyō, and her granddaughter, Waku, who have taken up her role in preserving and advancing the Nagauta tradition.
We extend our congratulations to Mrs. Kyōsen Kineya for her achievements and longevity. Her dedication to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of Nagauta shamisen is truly inspiring. We wish her continued good health, happiness, and many more years of success as she continues to inspire future generations with her artistry and wisdom.
