Studied Tozan-ryu shakuhachi from Saito Kõzan at university. Studied Kinko-ryu shakuhachi with Sasamoto Sõshu. After graduation he began to study with Aoki Reibo. Attended the NHK Hogaku Ginõsha school for one year. Masters degree from Tokyo Geddai University in hogaku performance. Performs regularly in radio and TV broadcasts and travels overseas to Italy and China. Yokota is very visible amongst hogaku performers in Japan. He performs regularly with many well-known colleagues and his shakuhachi are played by esteemed performers such as Nagasu Yoka. Yokota Reiko is closely associated with Aoki Reibo, the present National Living Treasure. Belongs to Reibo-kai koku-un in which he is a dai-shihan. He performs with Aoki Reibo in concert. Yokota is presently teaching at Yomiuri Cultural Center and the NHK Cultural Center in Mito, Ibaraki prefecture. His shakuhachi reflect the type of sound exemplified by Aoki Reibo and the many players who have studied with him. Traditional Kinko in style, they are highly responsive, well-tuned and excellent for ensemble and solo Kinko honkyoku. Yokota is assisted in his shakuhachi making by his father, who is 93 years old. |