MASA TAKUMI 

In Japanese, Kashira is the term used for the head boss of a Yakuza organization. This piece was composed as the theme song for Himuro Renji, the Japanese Yakuza film released this April, and is also featured in Nihon Touitsu, the connected Netflix series that is well known in Japan. Himuro Renji depicts the love between a father and son, the Kashira of a Yakuza organization and his high school-age son. This song, “Kashira,” is a global composition that majestically brings my music to life through a collaboration of the finest musicians playing instruments like the erhu, koto, shamisen, Asian flute, world percussion, and guitar. It features Ron Korb on flute, Noshir Mody on guitar, Dale Edward Chung on percussion, 65th Grammy winning musician Miki Marita on koto, Yingzi Li on erhu, Naoke tate on backing vocal and was produced by Lonnie Park. In addition to composing and arranging “Kashira,” I also played the shamisen. This single was released on August 28, which is actually the anniversary of my father's passing. I have dedicated this song to my father, who was strong and kind, and to my beloved mother, who passed away this March and always supported me and encouraged my dreams. It is my hope that this song evokes the love each of you feels for your own families.