In 1992, Yoichi became astounded when he first encountered the steelpans performed by the Renegades Steel Orchestra while they were touring in Japan.  In 2000, he started gaining experiences and knowledge on the steelpan from Yoshihiro Harada, a Japanese steelpan player, and started performing.  He traveled to Trinidad and Tobago in 2007 to participate in Panorama Competition perwith the Starlift Steel Orchestra.  In 2008, Yoichi founded WAIWAI STEEL BAND, and produced the first album, “TIME FOR PAN” (2014) and the second album, “LAMP” (2016).  The steelband has performed at various venues and music festivals throughout Japan.  Additionally, Yoichi expresses his music through solo performances, collaboration with various instrumentalists and steelbands.  He founded WAIWAI Panyard, where he passes his knowledge on to the younger generation where they can learn, play, and surround themselves by music.  Yoichi continues to seek “joy” and “the memory of sound” through the steelpan and music.  

Website: https://www.steelpanlife.com/