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.