Directory of Shamisen Resources

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The shamisen is a three-stringed plucked lute. It was introduced to Japan from China during the Edo period. It is part of traditional sankyoku chamber music and is used as background music for kabuki theatre and as accompaniment to narratives and songs in bunraku puppet theatre.

The Tsugaru shamisen, a slightly larger instrument, is the staple of Tsugaru folk shamisen, an improvisational style developed in the northern region of Honshu, Japan's main island.

Resources in This Category

• Hidetaro, Honjoh

  http://www.honjoh.co.jp/
  Traditional and contemporary shamisen musician and composer. Includes biography, discography with audio samples, shamisen history and styles including hauta and risogaku. [English/Japanese]

• IIAS Newsletter: Tsugaru Shamisen Music

  http://www.iias.nl/iiasn/19/regions/ea14.html
  Dr. Hae-kyung Um's book review of The Birth of Tsugaru Shamisen Music.

• Trends in Japan: Tsugaru Shamisen

  http://web-japan.org/trends01/article/020325fas_r.html
  Article about renewed interest in the instrument. Includes links.

Related Categories

• Home > Arts > Music > Instruments > Stringed
• Home > Arts > Music > Instruments > Japanese

 

Home > Regional > Asia > Japan > Arts and Entertainment > Traditional > Performing Arts > Music > Instruments > Shamisen

 

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