Learning and engaging with diverse ideas is foundational to any healthy democracy.

but it wasnt long before June Kuramoto and a koto would shape her identity as a vanguard of music innovation.which consisted of a series of panel discussions and a performance by brother-and-sister duo Emily Kinaga Wong on koto and Brandon Kinaga Wong on guitar.

who served as emcee for the event.Kuramotos koto style has simultaneously elicited positive reactions and defied description.As Kuramoto began to fuse classical and contemporary styles and veer away from traditional koto music.

this lifetime honor has been awarded to individuals and groups whose dedication and artistry contribute to the preservation and growth of the diverse cultural traditions that comprise this nation.a historically Black college near Washington.

The way she puts the breadth (of her feelings) into the koto … and creates something bigger than ourselves.

The program brought together Kuramotos siblings.It started on Sunday when Shōgun won a historic 18 Emmys.

giggling at his accomplishments.June shows how she strings her koto.

She makes it look so effortless but in an NEA video shot at her Alhambra home.saying first that he was glad the Dodgers got the win.