三味線 Shamisen, the Japanese three-stringed lute

The shamisen was introduced from China to Okinawa during the Chinese Ming Era, in 1400. Originally, it was called Jamisen (蛇皮線) or “music instrument made from snake skin". In about 1560, the lute was introduced on Honshu, Japan’s central island. After the introduction on the Honshu mainland, Shamisen took the place of the Biwa (琵琶), another Japanese lute which was played originally by blind beggars. Shamisen was also originally an instrument of the people. Players of Shamisen went around town, begging for money or something to eat after playing a piece of music.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), it was associated with the urban world of pleasure quarters. In this period too, Shamisen was introduced in Kabuki theatre’s pieces (歌舞伎). Kabuki is not an aristocratic entertainment like Noh theatre. Troupes toured all over Japan to bring entertainment to the populace.

It later became a concert instrument and was introduced also in classical chamber music. Shamisen became at this time, an instrument of the aristocracy and began to be played in Sankyoku pieces (三曲); this means pieces made for three musical instruments; Shamisen, Koto (琴), and Shakuhachi (尺八).

Today, Shamisen is played in solo (not yet a common form), duet, trio or even in concerto. The form of the instrument and music has changed to become the one we can appreciate today.

Ibaraki does not have a specific Shamisen history, but one of the three most famous popular melodies (there are more than a thousand popular melodies in Japan) comes from the prefecture. It is called Isobushi (磯節), the melody of the shore.

津軽三味線 Tsugaru Shamisen
Tsugaru Shamisen was born 50 years ago in the prefecture of Aomori originally called Tsugaru until the Meiji restoration. Aomori is situated in the north of Japan, in a region called the snow country. It expanded to the rest of Japan, and started to be called Tsugaru Shamisen about 30 years ago.

If classical Shamisen is played softly with grace and harmony, Tsugaru Shamisen is played with rhythm, strength and looks like violent rock music (if comparison is possible) even though absolute harmony is still required. Tsugaru Shamisen can also be played solo.