Kenichi Masamoto
Performance, production and teaching
Kenichi Masamoto entered Wadaiko Matsumuragumi in 2005 and began performing professionally in 2007 after two years of training. His stage career has included collaborations with Emiko Kaminuma, Keizo Nakanishi, Shinichi Kinoshita and the Yoshida Brothers, as well as appearances connected with Rugby World Cup Japan and a Red Bull international event.
After serving as a group leader from 2016, he founded Wadaiko Masaya in Takatsuki, Osaka, in November 2016. Across Japan and overseas, Masamoto has taken part in approximately 1,000 performances. He now develops concerts, festivals and cultural projects while teaching more than 300 students.
Selected milestones
Entered Wadaiko Matsumuragumi and began a two-year period of training.
Began stage performances; later joined domestic and international tours and major collaborative productions.
Served as a group leader, then founded Wadaiko Masaya in Takatsuki, Osaka, in November.
Received the Takatsuki City Tokkō Award (篤行賞) in recognition of his community contribution.
Acted as overall producer for two projects connected with Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, with combined attendance of approximately 5,000. The separately reported Wadaiko Masaya Expo 2025 project drew approximately 3,000 attendees.
On stage with Wadaiko Masaya
Performance video will be added here.