We are thrilled to announce that starting Saturday, June 13th, guitarist Seiichiro Ebisuya will begin a series of live performances in the Ki Niseko 1F lobby. Every Saturday throughout the summer season, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, his beautiful melodies will fill the air, enveloping our space in a warm, acoustic ambiance.Please visit this page for the detailed performance schedule.
In this official blog feature, we bring you a special interview tracking the journey of Mr. Ebisuya’s life as an artist. Dive deep into the roots of his music and his profound connection to Ki Niseko.
The final performance will take place on Saturday, October 24th, aligning with Ki Niseko’s summer seasonal closing on October 25th. We invite you to read the interview below and look forward to sharing a truly special experience that you can only find at Ki Niseko this summer.
A：My musical journey started in middle school when I borrowed a guitar, heavily influenced by my drummer cousin who had introduced me to rock in the 5th grade. For years, I was strictly an electric guitar guy; I never imagined I would play acoustic, let even play the guitar horizontally on my lap.
Everything changed in November 2006 when I stumbled upon a YouTube video of Canadian guitarist Erik Mongrain performing 'Air Tap!'. Seeing his lap-tapping style, the unique sound, and the sheer joy of the audience moved me to tears. Inspired, I practiced tirelessly by rewatching his videos and mastered the song in a month and a half. That single video changed my life, launching my career as a horizontal lap-tapping guitarist.
A：Over the years, I’ve explored the possibilities of the acoustic guitar on diverse stages worldwide. My journey has crossed genres and mediums—from appearing on TV Tokyo and hosting a show on Sapporo Mura Radio, to performing at SUMMER SONIC, touring with 'She is Legend,' and busking for four weeks across the UK.
Closer to home in Hokkaido, I’m grateful to have won competitions like Sapporo Crossroads Live, hold solo concerts at the Kitahiroshima Art & Culture Hall, and compose the cafe image song for TSUTAYA. Yet, among all these milestones, my residency at Ki Niseko since 2016 remains incredibly close to my heart.
A：Among Niseko’s natural wonders, Mt. Yotei’s majestic presence always cleanses my soul and inspires me to say, 'Let’s give it my all today.'
The landscape truly inspires my music. For instance, I wrote an original song called 'aqua forest' inspired by Naganuma, a secluded lake surrounded by dense woods and mountains.
Naganuma completely transforms with the seasons. In July and August, it is full of water, creating a stunning contrast between the blue sky, the blue water, and the vibrant green trees. By September and October, the water recedes to reveal massive boulders resting on the lake bed. On a misty, overcast day, it feels like stepping into another world entirely.
A：Guests often tell me, "It sounds like a piano or a Japanese koto!" or "I didn't know you could make drum sounds on a guitar." Aside from the visual impact of my horizontal lap-tapping style, the vast range of unexpected sounds is a major focal point.
My instrument itself is quite unconventional, it’s made entirely of carbon fiber. Its sleek, all-black design produces a sharp, crisp, and cool tone rather than the typical warmth of a wooden guitar.
I also rely heavily on my effects pedals to build ambient soundscapes. The ambient water sounds opening my song "aqua forest," for example, come straight from my pedalboard. For fellow guitar players in the audience, checking out my gear setup at my feet adds another layer of fun to the evening!
A：I look forward to delivering a performance that adds beautiful colors to your travel memories here in Niseko. I truly look forward to seeing you all.
Through his guitar, Seiichiro Ebisuya continues to unlock the infinite potential of music. One listen to his vibrant, captivating performance is all it takes to be deeply moved.
This summer, surrounded by Niseko’s beautiful greenery, his soothing melodies will once again fill our lounge. Grab your favorite drink, unwind, and enjoy a luxurious evening with us. We look forward to welcoming you!
Performance Overview :
- Dates: June 13th (Sat) – October 24th (Sat) | Every Saturday except for June 27th.
- Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Ki Niseko 1F Lobby
Profile | Seiichiro Ebisuya
Born in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Seiichiro Ebisuya is a lap-style guitarist who performs under the concept of “Visualling Acoustic.” Self-taught in the unique technique of playing the guitar horizontally across his lap, he is widely recognized for his distinctive performance style.
He has performed both in Japan and internationally, and has received numerous awards, including victories at the Sapporo Crossroad Live and Sakae Minami Music Festival. Since 2016, he has regularly performed at Ki Niseko, sharing his music with guests from around the world.
■ Seiichiro Ebisuya Official Instagram [ @seiichiroebisuya ]
■ Ki Niseko Official Instagram [ @kiniseko ]
