Electronic Press Kit
HARUYO KIMURA
木村ハルヨ
ERHU — Kobe, Japan
The sound behind Auddict’s Imperial Erhu virtual instrument and the 150-million-view theme of the Indian film Narivetta.
About
An erhu that takes the microphone
Haruyo Kimura is a Kobe-based erhu player with two decades of professional performance across Japan, India, Korea and Thailand.
Her sound reached global audiences through “Minnalvala,” the theme of the Indian feature film Narivetta — now past 150 million views on YouTube. In 2026, UK sample-library maker Auddict released Imperial Erhu, an official virtual instrument built entirely from her playing: more than 13,000 recorded articulations, available to composers for film, games and television worldwide.
She leads JADOH, the world’s only erhu rock band, in which the erhu takes the role of the vocalist. Japan’s erhu magazine Niko no Tomo featured her as one of ten players shaping the instrument’s new era — the only full-time performer among them. Two decades of live work, from intimate rooms to a 3,000-strong festival crowd at Mysore Palace, India, have made her a specialist in winning over audiences hearing the instrument for the very first time.
Watch & Listen
Thirty seconds is enough
Selected Highlights
Where the sound has traveled
- 2026 — Imperial Erhu released worldwide by Auddict (UK): official virtual instrument, 13,000+ samples
- 2025 — Performance at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai
- 2025 — Nippon Budokan: opening-act appearance as a singer
- 2024 — Featured by Niko no Tomo magazine: ten players shaping the erhu’s new era in Japan
- 2023 — KOBE LIFE: 30-minute broadcast documentary (Sun-TV)
- 2021 — Agency for Cultural Affairs “Arts for the Future!” grant: produced Sennen Renka, a three-day music × visual-art production
- 2019 — Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race: official opening ceremony & podium performances
- 2018 — Mysore Dasara, India: festival stage, 3,000+ audience · Bangalore International Arts Festival
- 2016 — Dedication performance at Kongobuji temple, Koyasan (World Heritage site)
- 2014 — National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru
- Listed among cultural figures by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recommended by the Consulate in Bengaluru
- Featured in India’s national press: THE HINDU, DECCAN HERALD, DECCAN CHRONICLE
Press & Audiences
“Show them that an erhu player like this exists.” — Editor-in-chief, Niko no Tomo (Japan’s erhu magazine), on featuring her
“Her tone brings tears — you don’t forget it.” — Audience voices; known in Japan as “the DIVA of the erhu”
The Band
JADOH — the world’s only erhu rock band
Founded in 2012 and led by Haruyo, JADOH puts the erhu where the vocalist would stand. Six players — accordion, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and an erhu that sings, screams and soars. No language barrier: the front voice is an instrument. Annual sold-out headline shows at Kobe Chicken George since 2016.
Photos
Press images
Booking
Formats
Solo / Duo
Erhu with backing tracks, or with piano. From gala dinners and receptions to concert halls. 20 years of professional experience reading first-time audiences.
JADOH (6-piece)
Full erhu rock band for festivals and live-music venues. High-energy original repertoire where the erhu fronts the band.
OTO-MATOI
An overtone-bath wellness program built on live erhu harmonics — designed for luxury hotels, spas and corporate retreats.
Official Site Imperial Erhu YouTube — HaruyoTV All Links © Haruyo Kimura / Kimura Kikaku — Kobe, Japan