Artist Info: Umeko Ando

Umeko Ando was born in Fushiko Ainu village. She is a renowned expert of the mukkuri (the koukin, a Japanese mouth harp) and upopo (the traditional chanting of the Ainu). Immersed throughout her life with the culture, language and traditions of the Ainu, she has become an important successor for the Ainu culture of the Obihiro district. Her participation on OKI's second album, Hankapuy, helped to gain her recognition. Her solo debut album, Ihunke [read more...]