Here is some crazy Japanese trivia for you. The Shamisen is a three stringed instrument that is used widely all over Japan. The name Shamisen(三味線） literally means, “Three taste string.” Which is quite poetic if you ask me. Though I assume the strings don’t taste that all that great. If someone can prove me wrong, please email me.
What you might not know about the Shamisen is that it is derived from an earlier instrument called the Sanshin(三線） The Sanshin was used in Okinawa when it was not part of Japan. It was so popular that it made it’s way to the main Island and eventually became the Shamisen.
The funny thing about all this is that I’m not really a fan of Shamisen music. To me it sounds like a guitar that has lost it’s will to live. However, I do like to listen to the Yoshida Brothers(吉田兄弟） You see, Shamisen is usually used in conjunction with folky, traditional music. The Yoshida brothers are able to rock out their Shamisen. Someday, I hope someone will compose a Shamisen based progressive rock opera. One can dream, can’t he?
In the picture can see singer Kuwae Tomoko rocking out to the Shamisen. Many thanks to Nemo’s great uncle for the picture.
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