HIBIKI ICHIKAWA is a London based Tsugaru Shamisen player with over 20 years of experience in playing this unique and fascinating instrument. He first came to the UK in 2011. He was previously granted a 'Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa', and is now permanently settled in the UK. Officially recognised as a world leading talent of Tsugaru Shamisen, Hibiki regularly performs across the UK and Europe. His professional activities include teaching more than 30 students and collaborating with several musicians and artists in a variety of projects. In 2016, he took part in the recording of the soundtrack for the BAFTA-winning stop-motion animated film Kubo and the Two Strings, produced by Laika Studios.