Daniel Manning 
Kozo Toyota playing the Irish flute (©Japan Forward by Shaun Fernando)
Kozo Toyota is an Irish flute and tin whistle virtuoso whose career has redefined traditional Irish music in Japan. A graduate and master's alumnus of Tokyo University of the Arts, he honed his craft in classical and ethnomusicological studies.
He also ignited a young Irish music boom through initiatives like the university's Celtic music club, g-celt, and the Intercollegiate Celtic Festival.
In 2016, Toyota made history by placing third in the Tin Whistle Slow Air category at the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil — the first Asian to achieve this honor.
He has lent his talents to recordings for projects such as Nintendo's Super Mario Odyssey and leads influential Irish bands like O'Jizo and the Toyota Ceili Band. Beyond the concert stage, he also preserves local tradition as a member of the Niomiya Shrine Kagura Ensemble in Chiba.
On March 16, the day before St Patrick's Day, Toyota will be playing at the Green Ireland Festival in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Green Ireland festival is the biggest Irish event in Asia.
Toyota's story is one of passion, serendipity, and cultural fusion. Born into a world steeped in the traditions of Japanese music, he found himself drawn to the spirited and evocative melodies of Irish traditional music.
A Spark of Inspiration
Toyota recalls that his first encounter with Irish music was not a deliberate search for a new sound but rather a byproduct of his longtime love for old American folk tunes.
Living in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo Disneyland, he was enchanted by the Westernland area, which evoked the atmosphere of the American frontier. "The music played there, with its fiddles and banjos, resonated with me," he explains.
A scene from Back to the Future Part III further cemented his fascination. The film's live festival performances captured a raw, communal spirit that would later define his musical journey.
Toyota's initial musical experiences were rooted in classical training, playing the trumpet in school bands. However, he gradually gravitated toward instruments like the tin whistle and Irish flute. "It was easier to imagine playing these wind instruments rather than suddenly switching to fiddles or banjos," he notes.
For several years, he simply absorbed the melodies of Irish tunes, letting them shape his musical identity before he took the plunge into active performance.
From Listening to Performing
After enrolling at Tokyo University of the Arts and studying ethnomusicology, Toyota began to see Irish music as a vibrant tradition to be embraced and shared. His journey was marked by a period of intense self-discovery.
"After passing my graduate exams and finishing my thesis, I found myself with the most idle three months of my life," he recalls. "I played the tin whistle as if I were mad — a period that transformed my passion into a lifelong vocation."
His self-taught beginnings eventually led to formal lessons and rigorous practice, laying the foundation for his subsequent career. Today, Toyota's repertoire spans the Irish flute, tin whistle, button accordion, and even the bodhran. Yet, it is the soulful narrative of Irish music that truly captivates him — a narrative that transcends technical skill and reaches deep into cultural storytelling.
Cultural Crossroads
One of the most fascinating aspects of Toyota's work is his insight into the unexpected commonalities between Irish traditional music and Japanese folk songs. Despite the geographical distance, both traditions share an affinity for pentatonic scales. "Even though each has its unique characteristics, there is a significant overlap," he explains.
Toyota believes that the inherent simplicity and natural flow of pentatonic music make it accessible and emotionally resonant. "When Japanese people hear Irish music for the first time, many feel a sense of nostalgia," he says. This shared emotional landscape, he suggests, is due to the universal language of folk music — a language that speaks of home, memory, and community.
The Role of Storytelling in Irish Music
Central to Irish traditional music is the art of storytelling. Toyota vividly recalls the lively pub sessions in Ireland, where music and spoken word blend seamlessly. In these settings, a spontaneous storyteller can elevate the atmosphere, drawing the audience into a shared cultural experience.
Although the humorous nuances of Irish storytelling can be challenging for an outsider, Toyota acknowledges their profound impact on the tradition.
In Ireland, poetry and narrative are not confined to the written word but are integral to musical performance. "In Ireland, the recitation of poetry is as natural as the playing of an instrument," he remarks. This openness contrasts sharply with the Japanese view, where the creation and recitation of poetry are often seen as the exclusive domain of professionals.
For Toyota, this difference is both a challenge and an opportunity. While it underscores the unique vibrancy of Irish culture, it also suggests ways in which the two traditions might enrich each other.
Building Communities and Overcoming Challenges
Promoting Irish traditional music in Japan has not been without its hurdles. Early pioneers were typically much older than his generation, Toyota explains. Over time, however, the technical proficiency of younger musicians has soared, thanks to increased access to recordings, live performances, and even direct training in Ireland.
He recounts the experience of launching a festival — initially a small gathering of about 30 people that blossomed into an event drawing nearly 200 participants nationwide. This festival was more than a showcase of technical skill. It was an effort to build community.
"We shifted our focus from technical perfection to creating a welcoming space where everyone could come together," he explains. The shift proved transformative, cultivating not only musical excellence but also strong interpersonal bonds.
Yet, Toyota also faced setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, severely disrupted musical communities, particularly at universities where traditional music clubs had flourished.
Collaborations and International Recognition
Toyota's career is also marked by numerous collaborations with prominent Irish musicians. He has performed alongside legends like Matt Molloy and Michael MacGoldrick, experiences that have significantly enriched his musical repertoire. His international engagements include festivals in America and Canada, where his performances have been met with enthusiastic and discerning audiences.
One memorable moment for Toyota was performing at the Irish Ceili Band Competition in a large tent filled with thousands of spectators. As he recalls, "After our set, the audience gave us a standing ovation. It was so warm and enthusiastic that it felt like the entire city of Ireland had welcomed us from the moment we landed."
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
For young Japanese people interested in Irish traditional music, Toyota offers heartfelt advice. "Music is about immersing yourself fully — listening, playing, and becoming a part of the community," he emphasizes.
Unlike classical music, which relies heavily on written scores, Irish music is learned by ear and through bodily experience. This immersive approach, he believes, opens up new ways of understanding and expressing music.
He encourages aspiring musicians to step out of their comfort zones. "Even if you start as a complete novice, dive into the sessions and let the music guide you," he advises.
By embracing the tradition through practice and community engagement, young musicians can unlock a world of rich cultural experiences and personal growth.
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Author: Daniel Manning
