General incorporated association Shinnai
This organization engages in performance projects and lectures as well as educational/instructive programs related to classical arts. Its aim is to contribute to the development of a cultural society in order to promulgate Japanese classical performing arts and pass on the traditions to future generations. Current Representative Director Tsunoda Tomiaki is the 4th head of the Fujimoto branch of the Shinnai-bushi genre and currently serves as vice chief director of the Shinnai Association. He began training in the Shinnai-bushi style at the age of 6, and was apprenticed to his uncle Shinnai-Nakazo at age 15. He was granted the name Shinnai-Nakasaburo when he was 18. In 1984 he assumed the title of the 6th iemoto in the Fujimoto branch of the Shinnnai-bushi genre, and in the following year the name succession ceremony was held at Kabuki-za. In 2001 he was designated a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (a Living National Treasure) for Shinnai-bushi shamisen, and in 2003 he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon. He became the 4th head of the Fujimoto branch of the Shinnai-bushi genre in 2017.