Steven Taizen Casano – Press Kit & Booking
Welcome to the official media and press kit for Steven Casano, internationally recognized shakuhachi performer, educator, and Dai Shihan of the Kōchiku Kai. This page contains essential materials for event presenters, journalists, and collaborators.
Short Bio
Steven Casano, Dai Shihan of shakuhachi, is an internationally recognized performer and educator. A student of world-renowned shakuhachi masters Ishikawa Toshimitsu and Riley Lee, he is founder of Kōchiku Kai, an organization dedicated to the transmission of classical shakuhachi honkyoku. Steven has performed in Japan, North America, and online global festivals, and is known for his deeply expressive sound, spiritual interpretations, and pedagogical leadership.
Steven is available for the following types of performances:
Email: scasano@punahou.edu
Website: www.stevencasano.com
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Welcome to the official media and press kit for Steven Casano, internationally recognized shakuhachi performer, educator, and Dai Shihan of the Kōchiku Kai. This page contains essential materials for event presenters, journalists, and collaborators.
Short Bio
Steven Casano, Dai Shihan of shakuhachi, is an internationally recognized performer and educator. A student of world-renowned shakuhachi masters Ishikawa Toshimitsu and Riley Lee, he is founder of Kōchiku Kai, an organization dedicated to the transmission of classical shakuhachi honkyoku. Steven has performed in Japan, North America, and online global festivals, and is known for his deeply expressive sound, spiritual interpretations, and pedagogical leadership.
Steven is available for the following types of performances:
- Solo Shakuhachi Concerts - Traditional and contemporary repertoire, including koten honkyoku, modern Japanese works, and original arrangements.
- Ceremonial or Meditative Performances - Ideal for lantern ceremonies, spiritual gatherings, healing spaces, and contemplative events.
- Collaborative Concerts - With piano, koto, voice, electronics, or other instruments (classical, contemporary, or improvisational).
- Educational Presentations - Lecture-recitals, school workshops, and university residencies (topics include shakuhachi history, Zen and music, Japanese aesthetics).
- Festival Performances - Appeared at international and regional shakuhachi festivals, Asian cultural festivals, and online global competitions.
- Guest Artist Engagements - Available for masterclasses, adjudication, conference presentations, and guest residencies.
Email: scasano@punahou.edu
Website: www.stevencasano.com
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Listen
Studio Recordings
Video Performances
Collaborations
Radio Appearances
Studio Recordings
- The Voice of Bamboo: Take no Koe
- San Kyorei: Sacred Music for Shakuhachi
- Kōchiku Shakuhachi Honkyoku Series (2025). Exclusive digital album presenting core repertoire of Kōchiku Kai
Video Performances
Collaborations
Radio Appearances
- Evening Concert, Hawai‘i Public Radio (HPR) – Featured shakuhachi recording aired April 16, 2025
Quotes
"Thank you for your beautiful performance. Your expressive, sensitive playing brought the piece to life and made the ceremony truly special. I was deeply moved and grateful for your artistry."
Masahiro Nakawaki, Japanese composer and producer
"Steven is not only a great shakuhachi master, but a great educator. His professionalism and approachability made the performance and lecture interesting for all. I was also grateful that he stayed late to talk to students who were interested in shakuhachi."
Miho Fujiwara, Professor of Japanese, Willamette University
"It was such a pleasure performing with Steven! I was deeply impressed with his graceful musicianship and completely mesmerized by his playing, artistry, and technical interpretation."
Masumi Timson, Koto performer
"Thank you for your beautiful performance. Your expressive, sensitive playing brought the piece to life and made the ceremony truly special. I was deeply moved and grateful for your artistry."
Masahiro Nakawaki, Japanese composer and producer
"Steven is not only a great shakuhachi master, but a great educator. His professionalism and approachability made the performance and lecture interesting for all. I was also grateful that he stayed late to talk to students who were interested in shakuhachi."
Miho Fujiwara, Professor of Japanese, Willamette University
"It was such a pleasure performing with Steven! I was deeply impressed with his graceful musicianship and completely mesmerized by his playing, artistry, and technical interpretation."
Masumi Timson, Koto performer
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