The unique tonality of traditional Japanese instruments is best accentuated when played in a traditional Japanese tatami room. The tatami mat setting softens sound reflections, creating an enveloping soundscape. However, setting up a tatami room outside of Japan comes with its own set of challenges. Here, we’ll outline the key points to consider when establishing a tatami space abroad for…
Have you ever heard of the Japanese festival called Yosakoi Matsuri? Originating in Kochi Prefecture, this festival has become one of the most famous festivals in Japan and is held all over the country. The sight of the dancers in their colorful and unique costumes dancing without a break is breathtaking. One of the indispensable elements of Yosakoi Matsuri is…
In this article, let’s learn a little bit about the material of the shamisen. First, picture the shape of a shamisen. What do you think is used for the body and neck of the shamisen? …Yes, it is wood. The trees that are used for the body and neck of the shamisen are mainly Karin(Chinese quince), shitan (ebony), and kouki…
The Tsugaru shamisen is an instrument closely tied to the performing arts within Japan’s traditional music. Its history was molded by the creative activities of blind traveling performers. While the Tsugaru shamisen has a structure almost identical to the shamisen that was introduced to Japan around the 16th century, it underwent changes adapting to the harsh natural environment and lifestyles…
I want to start playing Japanese instruments, but I can’t afford expensive instruments. For those people, I will introduce four types of Japanese instruments that can be purchased online. ・Shakuhachi The price range of Shakuhachi varies, but you can purchase a plastic Shakuhachi “Yu” 1 shaku 8 sun for about 16,000 yen. It is an instrument for beginners. ・Okinawa Sanshin…
Have you ever heard of Japanese music called “Gagaku”? “Gagaku” is a classical music that is a fusion of ancient Japanese music and dance and music and dance brought from the continent. It is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is also called “the world’s oldest orchestra” because of its long history. There are different types…
Suddenly, have you ever heard the phrase “Itton Jyobutsu”? This is a phrase from the shakuhachi world, and according to one theory, it means “to reach the state of enlightenment with a single sound. The background of this phrase seems to be related to the role of the shakuhachi as a Buddhist instrument. In earlier Japan, playing the shakuhachi was…
There is a saying in Japan, “If the wind blows, the bucket shop will make money. This means that a certain thing has an unexpected effect on an unexpected place. Why does the wind blow and the bucket shop make a profit? Let us consider the mechanism. (1) In the past, roads were not paved, so when a strong wind…
The sanshin is one of Okinawa’s most popular folk instruments. It is a standard instrument that accompanies Okinawan folk songs and Okinawan pop music with its warm sound, but the sanshin is not the only instrument that accompanies Okinawan folk music. In this article, we will take a deeper look at instruments other than the Okinawa sanshin used in Okinawan…
In Aomori Prefecture, where the Tsugaru shamisen was born, there is a type of music known as the three major Tsugaru folk songs (Tsugaru mitsumono). In this article, we will study the three major Tsugaru folk songs. Tsugaru three major folk songs are “Tsugaru Ohara-bushi”, “Tsugaru Jongara-bushi”, and “Tsugaru Yosare-bushi”. Let me explain about each song… 1. Tsugaru ohara-bushi According…
