Credentials

Performer and teacher, Linda Kakō Caplan is Canada’s premier koto and shamisen artist. In recognition of over two decades of devotion to her koto music, she received the rarely-conferred and prestigious rank of Dai Shihan (Grandmaster) from the Chikushikai Koto School in Fukuoka, Japan. Caplan is the first and only koto player of non-Japanese descent to attain this rank to date.

As soloist and ensemble member, Caplan has performed for over two decades at many events in Canada, Japan and the United States. She has also performed at private and diplomatic functions whose hosts or honoured guests have included Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan, Yukiko Sugihara (wife of the late Consul Chiune Sugihara), Ontario Premier David Peterson, Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton, and Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kiyoaki Kikuchi.

Miss Caplan is the Japanese Music Course Director at York University. She also teaches koto and shamisen privately at her Toronto studio and in a volunteer capacity at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.