“Pariyaso” 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, “Pariyaso” 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), they will hold their first live performance at the Funao Winery in conjunction with the cherry blossom festival.
What is “Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Pariyaso”?
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Pariyaso” is a live performance scheduled for April 4, 2026 (Saturday).
The Funao Winery is also hosting a cherry blossom festival
The Funao Winery will also host a cherry blossom festival on March 28 (Saturday) and 29 (Sunday) and April 4 (Saturday) and 5 (Sunday), 2026.
“Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Pariyaso” will be held 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 performance by Tamashima Commercial High School. This weekend, on April 4 (Saturday) and 5 (Sunday), performances by bands playing South American music and rockabilly are scheduled, along with various stage events to enjoy.
Additionally, each day will feature a variety of food and drink options, including udon, yakisoba, sweets, and beverages, as well as sales 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 Pariyaso's live performance in the evening?
What kind of performance does Pariyaso do?
The unit “Pariyaso,” consisting of jazz pianist and composer Ken Saku Tanikawa and harmonica player Chikara Tsuzuki, performs a variety of songs from different genres, including Latin music, film scores, 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,” the theme song for NHK's “At That Time, History Moved,” and co-composed songs with his father, the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.
As a performer, he is active not only in Pariyaso 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 Yoshii-cho, Ibara City in 2018.
As “Orai Records,” he has produced and sold numerous CDs, including five works released by Pariyaso. He is currently working on new projects.
At his home-based book cafe “Yoshii Tea Time,” 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
Conclusion
The two members of Pariyaso 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 sways the body and sometimes lets out groans while playing, 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 performances of Pariyaso have their own charm and enjoyment at each venue, influenced by the atmosphere and the audience. In addition to the harmonica and piano, instruments like the recorder and melodica also appear each time, and I am very much looking forward to what kind of performance we will hear at the Funao Winery this time.
Data on Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Pariyaso
| Name | Wine, Cherry Blossoms, and Pariyaso |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Homepage | 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