Yukito Ara
Yukito Ara is a Japanese sanshin player and Okinawa min'yō singer.Born on Ishigaki Island in 1967, Yukito learned folk songs and how to play sanshin from his father, a singer of Yaeyama min'yō. He moved to Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture, at the age of 18, and began performing live with a band under the name "Yukito Ara with Sandii & the Sunsetz. They first became known for their live album Haru Natsu Aki chotto Yu ing.
In 1994, Yukito formed the band Parsha Club, which represented a fusion of folk music, pop, and jazz. He continues to perform and record today, and takes part in many jazz, world music, and other collaborations.
