Mitsune is a Japanese folk fusion band based in Berlin, with members hailing from Japan, Australia, Germany and Greece. Their sound blends traditional Japanese folk with psychedelic, cinematic and ritual music, serving modern folklore with a punk mentality.
The heart and soul of Mitsune is the Tsugaru shamisen, a traditional 3-stringed lute popularised by blind wandering musicians of olden Japan. Mitsune both honours and modernises shamisen tradition, conveying their own stories through this ancient instrument. Their live show is filled with raw energy, decadent visuals, and a sprinkle of humour.
Since their formation in 2018, Mitsune have performed extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with acts such as Hiatus Kaiyote and surprising audiences at festivals of all kinds, from techno to folk. Their debut album was praised in Songlines Magazine as "consistently excellent. If you need a contemporary introduction to the world of Tsugaru shamisen, this is it." Their second album Hazama was praised in Songlines and Rolling Stone and nominated for the German Record Critic’s prize. A third album is slated for release in 2025.
Mitsune
ミツネ!
New single AIZU BANDAISAN OUT NOW!
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“startlingly original music”
– Rock n reel
“MITSUNE PRESENTS AS A ‘gesamtkunstwerk’, COMPLETE WORK OF ART”
– journal frankfurt
“exudes confidence, energy and creativity.. an ensemble with an ocean of creative potential.”
– songlines magazine
TOUR DATES
MAY 16, 2025
ROTTERDAM (NL)
GROUNDS
JULY 4-6, 2025
KRAGGENBURG (NL)
WILDE WEIDE
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON