“Parryaso” is a Portuguese word meaning clown or jester, and it is the name of a unit formed by musician Ken Saku Tanikawa and harmonica player Chikara Tsuzuki.
While primarily rooted in jazz, “Parryaso” performs a wide range of genres, from pop to children's songs and Latin music, playing famous songs from both the past and present. Since its formation in December 2001, it has continued to hold live performances and concerts across the country.
On April 4, 2026 (Saturday), their first live performance will be held at the Funao Winery in conjunction with the cherry blossom festival.
The information provided is based on the article published in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Parryaso”?
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Parryaso” is a live performance scheduled for April 4, 2026 (Saturday).
The Funao Winery is also holding a cherry blossom festival
The Funao Winery will also hold a cherry blossom festival on March 28 (Saturday) and 29 (Sunday) and April 4 (Saturday) and 5 (Sunday), 2026.
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Parryaso” will take place in conjunction with the cherry blossom festival.
On March 28 (Saturday) and 29 (Sunday), there were performances by Takahashi Children's Kagura and the Taiko drum performance by Tamashima Commercial High School. This weekend, on April 4 (Saturday) and 5 (Sunday), band performances featuring South American music and rockabilly are scheduled, along with various stage events to enjoy.
Additionally, each day will feature a variety of food options such as udon, yakisoba, sweets, and drinks, as well as the sale of vegetables and flowers, and woodworking workshops.
On the day of the live performance, how about enjoying the cherry blossoms and delicious food during the day, and then enjoying the music and night cherry blossoms with Parryaso in the evening?
What kind of performance does Parryaso do?
“Parryaso,” a unit consisting of jazz pianist and composer Ken Saku Tanikawa and harmonica player Chikara Tsuzuki, performs a variety of songs from different genres, including Latin, film music, and sometimes children's songs, all arranged in their original style while being based on jazz.
Pianist Ken Saku Tanikawa is the eldest son of poet Shuntaro Tanikawa, who passed away in 2024. As a composer and arranger, he has created music for the film “The 47 Ronin” and the theme song for NHK's “At That Time, History Moved,” as well as collaborative songs with his father, the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.
As a performer, he is active not only in Parryaso and solo activities but also in a band called “DiVa,” which sings contemporary poetry.
Harmonica player Chikara Tsuzuki is a leading harmonica player who has honed his skills across Europe. He initially went to France to learn the family business of baking but began performing on the streets while traveling around Europe, participating in numerous multinational street bands across various genres. After returning to Japan, he has continued to perform widely, including sessions with diverse artists.
During live performances, audiences can enjoy a variety of music that evokes nostalgia and grandeur, featuring a delightful interplay between the piano and harmonica, as well as other instruments like the recorder and melodica.
The mastermind behind the live event is a music producer residing in Ibara City
The mastermind behind this live event is music producer Jo-on Shimizu, who moved from Kansai to Yoshi-cho, Ibara City in 2018.
Under the name “Orai Records,” he has produced and sold numerous CDs, including five releases with Parryaso. He is currently working on new projects.
At his home-based book cafe “Yoshi's Tea Time” in Yoshi-cho, he also holds live performances irregularly. The two-story house surrounded by mountains is filled with an abundance of books and DVDs, which are available for lending.
Reservations are required for use
From the Writer
The two members of Parryaso frequently visit Okayama, and I have had the opportunity to hear their performances many times.
When I think of the harmonica, I only had the image of “a small instrument learned in elementary school,” but when I first heard Tsuzuki's performance, I was shocked by the expressive tones and powerful performance.
I was truly amazed that such rich expressions could be created with just a small harmonica. The way he skillfully uses various harmonicas and explains the instruments is also very interesting, and I hope many people get to know about it.
Additionally, Ken Saku Tanikawa's piano, which he plays while swaying his body and sometimes groaning, has a strong rhythm and touch that is captivating. Recently, he has also started singing, and his humorous and light-hearted talk is not to be missed. Many fans look forward to the stories about his father that he occasionally shares.
The performance of Parryaso has its own charm and enjoyment at each venue, influenced by the atmosphere and the audience's energy. In addition to the harmonica and piano, other instruments like the recorder and melodica also appear each time, and I am very excited to see what kind of performance we will hear at the Funao Winery this time.
Data on “Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Parryaso”
| Name | Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Parryaso |
|---|---|
| Date | April 4, 2026 (Saturday) 5:00 PM start |
| Location | 611-2 Mizue, Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 3,500 yen / 4,000 yen on the day ※Includes 1 drink |
| Website | Funao Winery |
Date:
April 4, 2026 (Saturday)
5:00 PM start (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
Admission Fee:
3,500 yen / 4,000 yen on the day
※Includes 1 drink
Venue:
Funao Winery Hall
611-2 Mizue, Funao-cho, Kurashiki City
Tel. 086-552-9789
Capacity:
50 people
※If there are openings, reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event