MIKAGE PROJECT

Formed in December 2020, MIKAGE PROJECT is a group of musicians who compose and arrange minyo folk songs of various regions with a contemporary sensibility, promoting their allure within Japan and abroad.

“MIKAGE” refers to the soul or spirit of gods and buddhas. The group’s foundational principle is to preserve the sonic spirits of our predecessors for future generations through folk songs from around the world. MIKAGE PROJECT consists of three talented members, each of whom has explored the potential of traditional Japanese instruments: SATO Kouki (shakuhachi, shinobue, ohayashi, percussion instruments), ASANO Sho (Tsugaru shamisen, vocals), and HONMA Takashi (25-string koto).

Each member began learning their respective instrument under family tutelage from a young age and has achieved distinction in both domestic and international competitions. Attracting attention for superb instrumental techniques and a style incorporating a broad range of musical genres, MIKAGE PROJECT appeared on NHK’s Minyo Damashii, a TV program about folk songs, less than a year after the group’s formation. They released their first EP, MIKAGE PROJECT, in April 2021, followed by their second EP, NEO BUSHI, in May 2022, and their third EP, KeHaRe, in May 2023. With their unparalleled, refined sensibilities and harmonies, they are carving out a new niche for folk songs and drawing significant attention from the music industry.

Asmidar

Born in 1986, Asmidar began her artistic journey at the age of 12 when she was asked to record a traditional rhythm song titled Jasa Pak Tani. Being the first runner up of Bintang RTM, Asmidar debuted in 2001 and paved her way into the local industry as a classical musical entertainer. Graduated in Diploma Performing Arts Majoring in Music, Asmidar started exploring indie music and become a singer-songwriter in a band named The Moustache.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Asmidar won Bintang Asli in 2006, and she realised that traditional music was the most euphonious sound and beautiful she ever experienced. The journey of her career became even more exciting when she represented Malaysia for the World Championship of Performing Art in Los Angeles and succeeded to win three gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals in several categories. Asmidar once again proved herself when she is named champion in Vokal Bukan Sekadar Rupa with her new song Biar Mimpi Sampai Ke Bintang in 2011. Not only it is featured as the theme song for a television series, the song also made it to Muzik-Muzik semi-final 2012.

Asmidar believes that the uniqueness of Malay traditional sound is not to be forgotten and with passion and love, it should be celebrated until the end of time.