HOMA dream Inc.
5-21-6-101 Nishi-Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021 JAPAN
tel +81-3-6303-6151
fax +81-3-5951-3555

Two guitarists Yoko Fujimori and Shinobu Sugawara founded the Maria Duo in March of 2003. The duo's title "MARIA" actually stands for initials taken from three Japanese words, Magokoro (genuineness), Risou (ideal), Ai (love). These words embody the essence in which these two ladies play the guitar by, "to play the guitar with joy for life", "to give thanks to friends and to my life which brings so much happiness", and "to play with modesty, genuineness and love".

The duo's concerts are rather distinct from ordinary guitar performances. Their concerts include conversation/lecture based on these two ladies' everyday experiences. Their talks often invite laughter, but also tears as well. Other aspects that are not the norm of a guitar concert are ukulele, recorder, and percussion performances and ever singing and dancing. These out of the ordinary concerts, filled with excitement and energy, offer a relaxed atmosphere that is not found in others performances. Those who have seen the duo perform comment that their concerts bring more than guitar music on to the stage. The duo is especially well received by the women of various age groups, and often gets specific request for a recital with a lecture that discusses a theme based on a women's point of view.

In 2004, the duo released its first album Ave Maria from HOMA dream Inc.