Hiroshima: Biography

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• Discography
• Biography
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• Special EFX
• Yellowjackets
• The Crusaders
• Spyro Gyra
• Pieces of a Dream

• Lost Tribe
• Abraham Laboriel

• Marilyn Scott

• June Kuramoto
• Dan Kuramoto
• Peter Hata
• Kimo Cornwell
• Derek Nakamoto
• Jess Acuna
• Richard Mathews

Formed:

Jan 1, 1974 in Los Angeles, CA

Genres:

Classical Music, Jazz Music, Latin Jazz Music, Contemporary Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Medium

Ratings Guide

Hiroshima, a group whose music falls between RB, pop, world music, and jazz, has long had its own niche. The band integrates traditional Japanese instruments into their musical blend and has generally been both commercial and creative within its genre. Hiroshima's founding members are keyboardist Dan Kuramoto (who also played shakuhachi), June Okida Kuramoto on koto (a key part of the group's sound), Johnny Mori on taiko drums, and Danny Yamamoto on drums, percussion, and taiko. Other additions include keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, bassist Dean Cortez, and singer Teri Koide (who was later succeeded by Kimaya Seward). Some of the musicians were descendants of Japanese Americans held in U.S. detention camps during World War II. Beginning with the band's selftitled 1979 debut, Hiroshima has recorded a series of bestselling albums for Arista, Epic, and Qwest, and although they have evolved over time (moving further away from jazz), they have managed to not only retain but increase their popularity. Since 2000, the band has released a handful of albums including The Bridge in 2003, Spirit of the Season in 2004, Obon in 2005, and Little Tokyo in 2007.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide