Painting the Scenery of Niseko Through Sound – Guitarist Seiichiro Ebisuya on Music and the Beauty of Nature
We are thrilled to announce that starting Saturday, June 13th, guitarist Seiichiro Ebisuya will begin a series of live performances in the Skye Niseko 1F lobby. Every Saturday throughout the summer season, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 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 special interview, we spoke with Ebisuya about the appeal of Niseko, the inspirations he draws from nature, and his unique musical style. We also asked him about the connection between music and the landscape of Niseko.
Q. How did you first encounter the guitar, and what led you to become a guitarist?
A. My fascination with rock music began in elementary school, and I started playing guitar during my first year of junior high school.
At first, I was interested in electric guitar and spent most of my time playing it. As I grew older, however, I discovered the genre known as “fingerstyle acoustic guitar.” I was captivated by the fact that a single guitarist could create the impression of an entire ensemble, and before long I became completely absorbed in acoustic guitar.
A major turning point came in November 2005, when I discovered the piece Air Tap! by Canadian guitarist Erik Mongrain on YouTube. His innovative style—using tapping techniques and percussive sounds to create music—opened my eyes to an entirely new world of guitar performance.
For a while I could do little more than watch in amazement, but after about six months of dedicated practice, I was finally able to perform Air Tap! myself.
That experience inspired me to pursue a life devoted to the guitar.
Q. As a guitarist, what kinds of activities and achievements have you had so far?
A. I have performed live at a variety of venues and participated in numerous music competitions.
In 2015, I won the grand prize in a fingerstyle guitar competition. In 2016, I won first place in a solo guitar contest, and in 2017, I was selected as a finalist in a national music competition.
Since then, I have continued to perform at concerts and live events, and in 2023 I joined the support band for the tour of the rock group She is Legend.
I continue to perform regularly at hotels and other venues, and I have been playing at Skye Niseko since 2018.
Q. How has Niseko’s natural environment inspired your music?
A. Niseko is a place where you can truly feel the grandeur of nature. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons and even with the weather, and each moment presents a different expression.
Nature itself often serves as a source of inspiration. One of my original pieces, “aqua forest,” was inspired by the image of a “forest” found in the Niseko area.
Even simply observing the changing landscape can spark new musical ideas. In summer, the lush greenery and refreshing air are beautiful; in autumn, the mountains are painted with vibrant colors; and in winter, the snow-covered scenery creates a magical atmosphere.
These constant changes in nature continue to be one of the greatest sources of creativity in my music.
Q. Is there anything in particular you would like guests to pay attention to during your performances at Skye Niseko?
A. Guests often tell me things like, “It sounded like a piano,” “I couldn’t believe those sounds were coming from a guitar,” or “It felt as if I were listening to an entire band.”
One of the greatest attractions of the guitar is its ability to express not only melodies but also rhythm and harmony simultaneously.
The guitar I use is also quite unique. Rather than being made from wood, the neck, body, and all other parts are constructed from carbon fiber. Its all-black appearance is striking, and it produces a very distinctive sound.
I also incorporate a variety of effects into my performances. In my original composition “aqua forest,” for example, listeners can hear sounds reminiscent of flowing water.
I hope that not only guitar enthusiasts but anyone who enjoys music will find something to enjoy in the performance.
Q. Do you have a message for guests attending your performances?
A. I hope to create an unforgettable musical experience that will become one of the highlights of your stay in Niseko.
I look forward to welcoming you.
Seiichiro Ebisuya Live Performance at Skye Niseko
Dates: June 13 – October 24, 2026 *Every Saturday except for June 27th
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: Skye 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 ]