Takao Minemoto: Biography of a Japanese Handpan Master

Have you recently heard of Takao Minemoto, a Japanese percussionist who specializes in composing melodies on handpan? Want to learn more about him? What are his best-known tracks and the albums he’s released? What has his professional journey looked like, and which musical collaborations has he taken on?

I first discovered Takao Minemoto over five years ago, when he began posting covers of popular songs like Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You" on his YouTube channel. Since then, I’ve kept up with his work and still love watching his handpan performances. So, let’s satisfy that curiosity about Takao Minemoto.

As you read through this informative article, you will discover:

• The biography of this percussionist from the Land of the Rising Sun
• His discography
• The other musical projects Takao Minemoto has been involved in

You’ll have all the information you need about this musician at your fingertips, which will undoubtedly bring you closer to his style and help you understand the philosophy that shines through his various pieces.

Now, let’s set off together to discover Takao Minemoto.

What is the biography of Takao Minemoto, the Japanese handpan player?

Takao Minemoto is a Japanese musician born in 1985 in Hiroshima. Passionate about music since childhood, he started out on a very traditional path as a percussionist. In 2015, he discovered the handpan through the Japanese brand Sonobe, which had begun producing and selling this modern instrument. Captivated by the handpan’s warm, enveloping vibrations, he quickly decided to buy one from the same brand. From there, with music focused on well-being and relaxation, he began performing as a handpan player, hoping to offer people a "spark"—a kind of trigger that helps soothe the heart.

In April 2016, he decided to leave his job and Japan behind, setting out on a journey with nothing but his handpan. The trip lasted about a year. During that time, he traveled through 13 countries, giving street performances to fund his expedition. This journey echoed the 2014 South American tour by fellow handpan player Sam Maher. Along the way, he performed at music festivals in Norway, Taiwan, Thailand, and more. After a year on the road, he returned to Japan—settling in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture—and today he continues performing across the country, as one of the leading names on the Japanese handpan scene.

Takao Minemoto’s talent was soon recognized far beyond the circle of handpan enthusiasts. In Japan, he’s regularly invited into the media: he has appeared on television, for example on Hiroshima TV in 2023 and on Nippon TV for a special program, as well as on radio stations such as Hiroshima FM and Tokyo FM, where listeners particularly appreciate his performances. In addition, wellness and music magazines such as Yuhobika have featured him—proof of how much of an outlier he remains in the Japanese music landscape. His biggest online performances are also showcased on his YouTube channel, where he sometimes covers well-known songs, such as the video below from the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro," which has surpassed one million views:

At the same time, Takao has been asked to participate in prestigious events. He has performed at showcases organized by major international brands, including an event for the fashion house Vivienne Westwood in 2018 and a presentation for the sports brand Asics in 2019. In 2022, Canadian clothing brand Canada Goose called on him to bring an original musical touch to one of its events.

Takao Minemoto also excels in more unusual creative projects. In 2020, he composed the main theme for a tech event called Block Chain Jam 2020, proving that the sound of the handpan can show up in unexpected places. The following year, in 2021, he contributed to the soundtrack of the video game Ragnarok Online by creating a handpan arrangement to celebrate the game’s 18th anniversary. A little later, in 2023, still in the world of gaming, he took part in an online concert for fans of Honkai: Star Rail, a tactical role-playing game.

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In 2025, Takao Minemoto launched a brand-new musical adventure by forming a duo with violinist Lisako Oshima. The group is called "Bodai & Bonno." Sitting at the intersection of Eastern traditions and contemporary music, the duo’s name—drawn from Buddhist philosophy—carries a powerful message: Bodai (awakening) and Bonno (earthly desires or mental turmoil) reflect the idea that confusion and suffering are part of the path to spiritual enlightenment. Through this name, Takao and Lisako express their intention to explore human emotions, from the most troubled to the most radiant, through their music. The duo performs both in Japan and abroad, and you can hear a short excerpt from one of their performances in the video below:

What is the discography of this artist and handpan player?

Takao Minemoto’s career has been marked by the release of several albums, which are worth mentioning here:

• On the night when the moon sheds dew : released in October 2016 and currently out of print and unavailable for sale, this album comes as a CD featuring an hour of melodies played on handpan and piano. True to Takao Minemoto’s approach, it’s designed to bring a sense of calm and well-being to listeners.
• d : released in April 2018, this is Takao Minemoto’s first studio album, featuring his own compositions performed exclusively on handpan.
• The Earth : continuing that momentum, Takao Minemoto released this third album in October 2019. Once again, well-being takes center stage, with a collection of pieces meant to support meditation, much like his first release.
• MYSELF : released in August 2021, this fourth album—his second studio release—highlights the personal and musical evolution of this percussionist.

What other artistic projects is this musician pursuing with his favorite percussion instrument?

Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Takao Minemoto also offers private handpan lessons. These sessions are open to everyone, whether you’re an adult or a child, and whether you already own an instrument or not. It’s also possible to join as a duo—either parent/child or as a couple. If you’re visiting Japan, Takao Minemoto also travels regularly to Tokyo, Osaka, Okayama, and Hiroshima to offer his services. His rate is ¥4,000 per hour, or a little over $20, making him one of the most affordable handpan teachers on the market.

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Takao Minemoto’s journey perfectly illustrates the passion and creativity that drive the handpan community. In just a few years, this musical globetrotter has gone from a curious percussionist to a key figure around the instrument, inspiring countless enthusiasts through his travels, albums, and teaching. Now, with all the information you’ve discovered in this article, you know much more about Takao Minemoto’s philosophy and artistic career.

That said, if you’d like to emulate—or at least get closer to—this musician’s performances, you’ll need a high-quality handpan capable of delivering truly exceptional tones. With relaxation and well-being in mind, I recommend the Instruments du Monde store and their fabulous handpan model designed to support better sleep by helping you unwind at bedtime.

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On a different note, you may also be interested in discovering Alexandre Lora, another famous handpan player who has released compositions both solo and as part of a duo.