Mitsune combines traditional Japanese folk with jazz, eastern blues, rock and dance beats, as well as wild, cinematic and psychedelic sounds. The heart and soul of their music is the tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute, once the favourite instrument of itinerant blind musicians in yesteryear Japan.

Mitsune honours and modernises the shamisen tradition, bringing to life folkloric, personal and cultural narratives through this centuries old instrument. Led by two female shamisen players, complemented by percussion and bass, the Berlin-based foursome serves up modern folklore with rousing beats, raw emotion and decidedly decadent costumes.

The multicultural mix of musicians from Japan, Australia and Greece has attracted attention worldwide since their formation in 2018, with appearances at techno and folk festivals and international success. Of the album Hazama – an excellent, contemporary introduction to the world of tsugaru shamisen - Rolling Stone wrote: "consistently excellent".

Songlines added: "fun and eclectic, while retaining a sense of identity". A new album is expected later this year. On stage, Mitsune provides an exuberant visual feast at which tradition and avant-garde unite, with reinvented Japanese folk songs and original compositions full of virtuosity, driving beats and wild group vocals. The feeling of joy and fantasy won’t soon be forgotten!