Yama Warashi

Yoshino Shigihara, known professionally as Yama Warashi, was born and raised in Ashiya, Japan. From a young age, she exhibited a profound interest in music and the arts, beginning piano lessons at the age of three. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future endeavors in both visual and musical arts.

After exploring various artistic avenues during her formative years, Shigihara's passion for music remained a constant. Her early experiences with traditional Japanese music and dance, particularly Bon Odori, deeply influenced her artistic sensibilities. These cultural elements would later become integral to her unique musical style.

In 2015, after relocating to Bristol, UK, Yoshino Shigihara founded Yama Warashi, a project that seamlessly blends Japanese folk traditions with elements of free jazz and psychedelic music. The name 'Yama Warashi' translates to 'small childlike mountain spirit,' reflecting the ethereal and whimsical nature of her compositions.

The project's debut EP, 'Moon Zero,' released in 2016, showcased Shigihara's ability to fuse diverse musical influences into a cohesive sound. This was followed by the full-length album 'Moon Egg' later that year, which received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and captivating melodies.

Over the years, Yama Warashi has evolved, with Shigihara collaborating with various musicians to expand the project's sonic palette. The 2018 album 'Boiled Moon' further solidified her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist, incorporating more experimental elements and complex arrangements.

In 2023, Yoshino Shigihara returned to her family home in Ashiya, Japan, where she recorded a series of solo piano compositions. This intimate project culminated in the EP 'At My Mother's Piano,' released on February 14, 2025, through PRAH Recordings. The EP features seven tracks that blend improvisational piano pieces with field recordings, capturing the essence of her surroundings and personal reflections.

The lead single, 'Hankyu Denshya,' accompanied by a music video, offers listeners a glimpse into Shigihara's journey through familiar landscapes and memories. This release marks a departure from her previous ensemble works, highlighting her versatility and depth as a solo artist.

Yama Warashi's discography reflects a dynamic and evolving musical journey. Starting with the 'Moon Zero' EP in 2016, followed by the albums 'Moon Egg' (2016) and 'Boiled Moon' (2018), each release showcases a unique blend of Japanese folk, free jazz, and psychedelic influences.

Her music is characterized by its dreamy, evocative soundscapes, often inspired by traditional Japanese dance and folklore. The incorporation of diverse instruments and unconventional rhythms creates a rich tapestry that invites listeners into her imaginative world.

The 2025 EP 'At My Mother's Piano' adds a new dimension to her body of work, emphasizing solo piano compositions interwoven with ambient sounds, reflecting a more introspective and personal side of her artistry.

https://www.instagram.com/yama_warashi

https://yamawarashi.bandcamp.com/