About
Yoko Fitzpatrick
Yoko, instructor of Kozue Kai Koto Group in Japan, received her professional name, Shose Yanagimachi, from the Fifth Generation Head of Family,
Shoin Yamase, in Tokyo in 1977. “Shose” is a
term of respect that is bestowed in Japan on accomplished teachers. She has taught hundreds
of Koto students in Japan, both privately and at schools, over the last 40 years. She has performed at many concert halls, shrines, and other public performances throughout Japan.
She is a virtuoso on the 13 string Koto, the 17 and 21 string Koto and the 3 string Sangen.
She also specializes in teaching piano and sight reading to children.
Yoko performing in Japan
alongside her Senseis
She has multiple degrees in Koto, Tea Ceremony, Advanced Tea Ceremony and Ikebana
(flower arranging).
Yoko is dedicated to passing on Japanese high culture in Las Vegas. She has performed on the Koto at many events in Las Vegas. Audiences love her great smile and cheerful personality.
Above are teaching certifications awarded
from different schools in the arts of Koto,
Ikebana, and Tea Ceremony
She is listed in the Las Vegas Clark County Historical Archives Directory as a historical resource for those interested in the culture of Japan. She has been awarded the Folklife Apprenticeship Grant four times by the Nevada Arts Council.
Kimono Fun Club
The national dress of Japan, Yoko is a certified kimono professional. She also founded the Yoko Kimono Fun Club in Las Vegas (est. 2021), where members can meet to enjoy lunch/brunch once a season while dressed in kimono (autumn, winter, spring) or summer yukata.
Performances
(2001-Current)
2026 April 4 Haru Matsuri “Japanese Spring Festival,” Las Vegas.
2025 Oct. 18 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2025 April 5 Haru Matsuri “Japanese Spring Festival,” Las Vegas.
2024 Oct. 19 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2024 April 6 Haru Matsuri “Japanese Spring Festival,” Las Vegas.
2023 Oct. 21 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2023 Aug. 19 Atomic Museum “Journey Through Japan Event,” Las Vegas
2023 May Library District Performances, Las Vegas
2023 April 1 Haru Matsuri “Japanese Spring Festival,” Las Vegas.
2022 Oct. 15 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2022 April 2 Annual Haru Matsuri “Japanese Spring Festival,” Las Vegas.
2021 March 13 Performance at The Summit Golf Club Restaurant, Las Vegas.
2020 Oct. 17 Virtual Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Live Broadcast.
2019 January 24 Consul General of Japan in San Francisco Event at the Gold Coast Hotel, Las Vegas.
2018 Oct. 20 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2018 June 2 Grand Seiko at the Encore Hotel by Invitation, Las Vegas.
2018 April 7 Kizuna Japanese Society and the City of Las Vegas “Japanese Concert,” Las Vegas.
2018 March 10 Green Valley Library “Japanese Cultural Day,” Henderson.
2017 Oct. 14 Aki Matsuri “Japanese Fall Festival,” Henderson.
2016 May 21 Sahara West Library “Asian Flower Celebration,” Las Vegas.
2016 March 7 Hartland Mansion Celebration, Las Vegas.
2013 September 10 Japan National Tourism Organization seminar at Sands Expo Convention Center, Las Vegas.
2012 November 7BP Luncheon for Asian leaders atMandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas.
2012 October 9 Japan National Travel Association Meeting at MGM’s Shibuya Restaurant in Las Vegas.
2011 July 1 Winner for 4th time of Nevada Arts Council Master Artist Folklife Apprenticeship Grant
2010 November 14 Concert at Winchester Cultural Center,Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2008 July 1 Winner for 3rd time of Nevada Arts Council Master Artist Folklife Apprenticeship Grant
2008 April 19 International Food & Folklife Festival, Henderson, NV.
2007 May 23 Ethernet Alliance, Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Convention Center
2007 April 21 International Food & Folklife Festival, Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2007 January 6 Hamada Restaurant,Las Vegas, 20thAnniversary and New Year’s celebration
2006 July 1 Winner for 2ndtime of Nevada Arts Council Master Artist Folklife Apprenticeship Grant
2006 April 26 Rolls Royce Exhibition of Towbin Automobile,Las Vegas at Red Rock Resort
2006 April 22 International Food & Folklife Festival, Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2005 September 3, Concert at Winchester Cultural Center,Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2005 April 23 International Food & Folklife Festival, Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2005 March 30 MGM Shibuya Japanese Restaurant, Las Vegas: Concert for private dinner party
2004 July 1 Winner of Nevada Arts Council Master Artist Folklife Apprenticeship Grant
2004 April 24 International Food & Folklife Festival, Las Vegas: Clark County Parks & Community Services
2004 April 23 Las Vegas Art Museum,Las Vegas: Special Art Exhibit from Tokyo
2003 October 13 Bally’s Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas: Program for Sapporo USA Inc.
2003 March 3 Osaka Restaurant, Las Vegas: Concert for private dinner party
2003 February 21 Stardust Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas: Asian Chamber of Commerce
2002June 26Riviera Hotel,Las Vegas: Biennial National Convention of Japanese American Citizens League
2002 March 4 Osaka Restaurant, Las Vegas: Concert for private dinner party
2002 January 12 Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas: Japanese American Citizens League Dinner
2001 January 21 Fremont Hotel, Las Vegas: Japanese American Citizens League Installation Dinner