The Man, the Myth, the Legend. The Singing Cowboy of Kyoto since 1958.

Country Dream – All Japan Country Music Festival: Saturday, October 9 at Maruyama Park


Monday to Friday he is a dentist, then on Saturday night his bar Kenny’s on the floor above his clinic opens and he becomes Kenji Nagatomi and the Tennessee Five. Fiddle, pedal steel guitar, and now even banjo. I saw them play on Sunday on a big bandstand in front of City Hall during the Kyoto Festival. They often play at various festivals around town and further afield, including the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.

Kenji’s daughter Mari, a singer, will also perform with Nashville country harmonica legend Charlie McCoy, a frequent collaborator with Nagatomi.

Kenny’s is just north of subway Kuramaguchi at Karasuma-Shimei dori. (usually opens at 8 p.m., Â¥3000 cover includes 2 drinks.)

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