A string-instrument duo composed of violinist Yuri Kamei and cellist Sonoko Muraoka. While they are musicians who support a wide range of artists, including King Gnu, Vaundy, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE, they pursue a new musical genre that only string instruments can create, while actively performing live. In six years since their formation, they have steadily expanded the scope of their activities, including national tours and performances at the closing ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. They make their Billboard Live stage debut with original songs that have a classical and academic sound yet a pop sensibility that captivates listeners, and covers that showcase sensibilities honed in various scenes. In addition to these accomplished band members—Akihito Handa (Pf), Tetsurō Toyama (Gt), Akira Kudō (Dr)—the guest participation of Kohei Ueno, Japan’s leading saxophonist known for his overwhelming technique and rich expressiveness, who expands his activities centered on classical music and wind ensembles, has been confirmed. It promises a special stage where refined sounds blend to reveal a new facet of string instruments.

〈ZARUKAME Comments〉
A string-instrument unit ZARUKAME, formed by violinist Yuri Kamei and cellist Sonoko Muraoka, charts a new era of string sound with a lineup of accomplished players.

“We have been performing with the theme of ‘Expanding the possibilities of string instruments.’”
While basing our sound on a classical and academic aesthetic, we also pursue a world that includes pop-like accessibility. Furthermore, by focusing on the strings’ diverse expressive methods and timbres, we are challenging ourselves to carry a main melody on the strings that can rival vocals.

We believe that by continuously pursuing expressions that only violin and cello can realize, a ZARUKAME-like style will take shape.

We would be delighted if you could feel the musical world born from instrumental music that can touch the heart without words.