“Palyaso” is Portuguese for clown or jester, and is the name of a duo formed by musician Kensaku Tanikawa and harmonica player Tsuzuki Chikara.
With jazz at its core but unconstrained by genre, “Palyaso” performs classic songs from Japan and around the world, spanning everything from pop and children’s songs to Latin music. Since forming in December 2001, the duo has continued to give live performances and concerts throughout Japan.
On Saturday, April 4, 2026, they are set to perform their first live show at the hall at Funao Winery, in conjunction with its cherry blossom festival.
The information presented was current when this article was published in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Palyaso”?
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Palyaso” is a live performance taking place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The cherry blossom festival is also underway at Funao Winery, the venue
The cherry blossom festival is underway at Funao Winery, the venue, on Saturday, March 28, Sunday, March 29, Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, 2026.
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Palyaso” is being held in conjunction with the cherry blossom festival.
On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, there were performances including Takahashi Children’s Kagura and Japanese drumming by Tamashima Commercial High School. This weekend, on Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, bands are scheduled to perform South American music, rockabilly, and more, with a variety of stage events to enjoy.
There will also be plenty of activities each day, including food and drink such as udon, yakisoba, sweets, and beverages; sales of vegetables and flowers; and woodworking workshops.
On the day of the live show, why not enjoy the cherry blossoms and delicious food during the day, then take in the music and cherry blossoms at night at Palyaso’s evening performance?
What kind of music does Palyaso play?
“Palyaso,” a duo featuring jazz pianist and composer Kensaku Tanikawa and harmonica player Tsuzuki Chikara, performs original arrangements of songs from a wide range of genres, including Latin music, film scores, and sometimes even children’s songs, while keeping jazz at its foundation.
Pianist Kensaku Tanikawa is the eldest son of poet Shuntaro Tanikawa, who died in 2024. As a composer and arranger, he has composed music for the film “47 Ronin,” the theme song for NHK’s “Sono Toki Rekishi ga Ugoita,” and songs co-written with his father, the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.
As a performer, he is active with Palyaso and as a solo artist, as well as with “DiVa,” a band that sets contemporary poetry to music.
Harmonica player Tsuzuki Chikara is a leading harmonica performer who honed his skills throughout Europe. He went to France to learn the family business of breadmaking, but began traveling around Europe, based in Paris, and performing on the streets. His career includes playing with numerous international street bands across a range of genres. Since returning to Japan, he has continued a wide-ranging performance career, including sessions with a diverse array of artists.
At their live shows, you can enjoy a variety of music that showcases the duo’s strengths: the piano and harmonica engage in stylish musical exchanges, while the performers also play other instruments such as the recorder and melodica, creating everything from nostalgic moods to a sense of grand scale.
The person behind the live show is a music producer who lives in Ibara City
The live show was organized by music producer Shimizu Joon, who moved from Kansai to Yoshi'i-cho, Ibara City, in 2018.
Under the name “All Right Records,” he has produced and sold numerous CDs, including five releases by Palyaso. He is currently working on a new release.
He also holds occasional live shows at “Yoshi'i Tea Time,” a book cafe he runs from his home in Yoshi'i-cho. The two-story detached house, surrounded by mountains, is filled with books and DVDs, which are apparently available to borrow.
Reservations are required to visit
From the Writer
The two members of Palyaso often visit Okayama, and I have heard them perform many times.
I used to think of the harmonica only as “a small instrument you learn to play in elementary school,” but the first time I heard Tsuzuki perform, I was struck by the expressive tones and powerful performance.
It’s truly astonishing that such rich expression can be achieved with just one small harmonica. The way he switches between many harmonicas and his explanations of the instruments are also fascinating, and I hope many people will get to know his work.
And Kensaku Tanikawa’s piano, played as he sways his body and sometimes lets out a growl, is captivating for its powerful rhythm and touch. He has recently started singing as well, and his witty, humorous banter is not to be missed. Many fans also look forward to the stories he occasionally shares about his father.
Each Palyaso performance has its own appeal and enjoyment, shaped by the atmosphere of the venue and the audience. Instruments such as the recorder and melodica appear alongside the harmonica and piano at every show, and I’m already looking forward to hearing what they’ll play this time at Funao Winery.
Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Palyaso Information
| Name | Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Palyaso |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, April 4, 2026 Show starts at 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | 611-2 Mizue, Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | ¥3,500 / ¥4,000 on the day *Includes one drink |
| Website | Funao Winery |
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Date and time:
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Show starts at 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Admission:
¥3,500 / ¥4,000 on the day
*Includes one drink
Venue:
Funao Winery Hall
611-2 Mizue, Funao-cho, Kurashiki City
Tel. 086-552-9789
Capacity:
50 people
*If reservations are still available, tickets will also be sold on the day on a first-come, first-served basis