Cool Shamisen Performances Collected

When it comes to stringed instruments, there are guitars, basses, violins, and cellos, but Japan’s traditional string instrument is the shamisen. The world of music expressed with three strings, such as Tsugaru shamisen, can often feature surprisingly intense performances. To explore the world of shamisen, I’ve gathered some cool performances for you.

■ What is Shamisen?

Before introducing performances, let’s briefly explain the shamisen. The shamisen is a Japanese improvement on the Chinese ‘sanzhi’. It has three strings stretched over a body made from animal skin, which is played using a plectrum called a ‘bachi’. Compared to the six strings of a guitar, four of a bass, or four of a violin or cello, the shamisen has the fewest strings.

■ Types of Shamisen: ‘Futozao’, ‘Chuzao’, and ‘Hosozao’

Futozao: Used for aggressive performances, such as Tsugaru shamisen. It is often combined with loud Western instruments like electric guitars.

Chuzao: Used for folk songs, Bungo-style Joruri, and kouta, offering a wider range of higher notes. Versatile and can be applied to various styles of performance.

Hosozao: Used for the elegant performance of nagauta, with the highest pitch among the three types.

■ The shamisen has multiple tuning methods

Similar to guitars with alternate tunings (like drop D), the shamisen has several tunings, called ‘choshi’. There are six main types of choshi, and each piece of music typically dictates which tuning to use.

■ Harmonic expression is key

In shamisen, the harmonic expression, akin to overtones on a guitar, is achieved through ‘sawari’. This involves lightly touching the thickest string (the first string) to the neck to create a buzzing sound, which causes the other two strings to resonate, enriching the sound.

■ Introducing some cool shamisen performances!

○ The Yoshida Brothers - “Tsugaru Jongara Bushi” Live Performance

○ Daishi Dance feat. the Yoshida Brothers - ”Kaze no Toorimichi” [Place: teamLab Borderless (Tokyo)]

When it comes to Tsugaru shamisen, the Yoshida Brothers are a must-see. Hailing from Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, they began playing the shamisen at age 5, later studying Tsugaru shamisen, and made their major debut in 1999. They've blended traditional Tsugaru shamisen with various music genres, dramatically changing the instrument’s image.

Kameya Hougakki / Tsugaru Africa Karan Shamisen

○ Hanawa Chie - “Tsugaru Jongara Bushi”

This version of the Tsugaru Jongara Bushi, a folk song from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, is performed without vocals, just shamisen, and is known as ‘Kyokubiki’ (instrumental version). Hanawa Chie began playing Tsugaru shamisen at the age of 9 and became the youngest champion (17 years old at the time) in the A-Class Women’s division of the Tsugaru Shamisen National Competition in 2000.

○ X Japan - “Kurenai (Tsugaru Shamisen/Shamisen Cover)”

A rock song played on the shamisen, performed by the mysterious Shamimask, who wears a black mask. The Futozao Tsugaru shamisen can handle intense rhythms like this.

○ Katsukuniki Kineya, Kunio Kineya, Katsuju Kineya, and Chiyo Kineya (Kamichoshi tuning) Vocals: Katsumaki Kineya and Katsushisuke Kineya - “Kanjinchou (Nagauta Shamisen)”

This is a long version of the shamisen performance for the kabuki classic “Kanjinchou”, featuring an exquisite interplay between singing and shamisen.

Yamaha / Nagauta Shamisen Set S011A

■ New Shamisen! Attention on Shamiko

SHAMIKO / Shamisen Shamiko

Shamiko is a newly developed shamisen-based string instrument. It is more compact than a traditional shamisen, with a body made from a traditional Japanese measuring box called ‘masu’, which is often used to measure sake.

The traditional shamisen uses animal leather, typically from dogs or cats, for its body, but this can tear and require expensive replacements. Shamiko uses a special pulp-based paper that is more durable and resistant to tearing. While traditional shamisen strings may use silk for the first string, Shamiko uses all nylon strings, making them less likely to break.

For beginners, Shamiko comes with a pick instead of a bachi, making it easier to play. It’s a great option for those starting out, as it’s compact, durable, and user-friendly.

○ Queen - “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Shamiko by Masakatsu [HD Quality]

■ Playing Shamisen on Holidays! How Chic

While many people enjoy playing Western instruments like the guitar, having a hobby like playing the shamisen is truly stylish. Why not give it a try and start learning?

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