Japanese Craftsman Built Me A Shamisen | My Japan Journey

[@TokyoLens]

I may have hidden a beautiful and wonderful surprise somewhere in this video. (Did... anyone stick around to see it?.........) So much love to Shamisen Komatsuya for putting in a month of work and allowing me to film something we dont often get to see. And thank you to EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU who takes the time to watch this. And so much more to those of you who waited for it.

[@Kiyra18]

By the way, did you use the synthetic material at the end?

[@ejclearwater]

Fantastic video!! I love the end shots!!! 🤩 Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us.

[@silviag3798]

Your new shamisen is beautiful, Norm. Can't wait to see you play it for us!

[@TokyoLens]

@@Kiyra18 but of course!!

[@Kiyra18]

@@TokyoLens aww I love it even more.. That's very amazing.. ❤️❤️

[@harpandwhiskers6377]

He put his soul into that instrument. It's such a beauty. I almost cried a little in the end

[@TokyoLens]

I really wish that I could have really shared every single one of the finer details but I am glad that the care and heart he put in to the process came through. Thank you so much~

[@ivaeradon4570]

I teared up- it was so moving to have it all come together, and see such a beautiful piece of art- and such a serious effort on the craftsman's part- come together.

[@johnokamoto6762]

Almost? I did cry! The craftsmanship and materials are exquisite every little detail makes you want to stare in wonder and awe! Congratulations!

[@ramsay2234]

Seeing both the enjoyment, respect and emotion on the faces of both the craftsman and yourself is moving. When this much care goes into something, you know it will sound great without hearing a single note.

[@ShaggySolidCore]

I have to agree, one of the most beautiful arts I've had the chance to see

[@Tokyodrew]

Dude... the passion in this video is amazing. Very well done. I am so happy for you and all that you have accomplished. Keep it real bro!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much drew~ means the wild

[@Tokyodrew]

@@TokyoLens hope it's ok to post this on my site...want the world to see this! Cheers bro!

[@trevorrandom]

Fantastic stuff ☺ ♥ 🇯🇵

[@time.5942]

Japanese craftsmanship is something special! They put so much effort and love into creating it's mind blowing. In the end it feels like they're giving away a small part of themselfes! Same with the neck that he does not want to give away. It's just so amazing and even just watching this leaves me awestruck..

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much Tim the care and love that he put into every step of the craft was beautiful to see~ Every time he approached me to say "im going to start this part of the process. Do you want to watch?" he would run up to me with excitement in his voice. Got me pumped to capture the best version every single time!

[@lizardking8227]

SIDE NOTE, WHEN WARFARE RULED FOR SO LONG THE TRADE ARTS MUST BE GOOD, NOT DOWNING, EVERYTHING HAS A BALANCE, kuz like in Conan the barbarian THULSADOOM. searched for steel, but no longer was he ,when he was able to PERFECT SUCH THINGS TIS THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR SOCIETY'S, .

[@koshikonet]

My eyes literally teared up and I found myself crying before I could stop while you were picking out the final touches. It's an incredible journey of labour and love and I don't even want to guess at how much it cost, but it's so obviously very important to you. You're always so passionate in your videos, but it's like you just took flight and left us far behind where we can longer touch the beauty this process was for you. Thank you for sharing, I don't think I've commented before (though I've been watching your videos for some time), but I feel somehow privileged and humbled to have seen a glimpse of what is an incredible milestone in your life. Thank you.

[@TokyoLens]

I’m so happy that you did take the time to comment so I can personally thank you. I’m genuinely so happy that you would not only take the time to watch, but also leave such a beautiful comment for me to read. Thank you so very much~

[@donnakawana]

What beautiful words! ✌🏻💗😊❣️

[@Lillesnok]

That smile he had when he came walking in with the Itomaki, and that slow reveal he did... priceless. Just two passionate dudes, living their best lives. Such a joy to watch

[@angeknowsit]

Not gonna lie I cried a little bit, as a musician I get how much love for the instrument you both have and the bond between the instrument and the performer is one of the best things in the world.

[@DrPepper776]

so much gratification skill and emotion in one video. amazing

[@dikadothings6301]

Norm, congrats on the new shamisen. Seeing japanese craftmanship always amaze me, and so is your shamisen it's beautifuly crafted and i hope it's not only just a step but a leap for you.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much I hope so as well!

[@bjbulmer-lestudio]

I own a small post production studio in Japan. I've been here for 22 years. Almost half my life. The thing that amazes me every day and what I think made Japan my home was the devotion to perfection. It's hard to put into words, but this video shows the dedication I see every day. Great video.

[@Naoyuki_Atsune]

いい三味線です。本当に美しい…。 ノルムさん、きっとあなたはこの”相棒”とともに、新たな人生のステージへ飛躍を遂げるでしょう。頑張れ！！

[@TokyoLens]

頑張ります！本当にありがとうございます😊

[@Kiyra18]

I love the energy you have when you talk about Shamisen. You can see the passion in it. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@TokyoLens]

It means the world to me 🥰

[@Codelinkz_]

Yeah I also love the energy, its amazing to see someone so passionate about something, it is very rare to see.

[@Kiyra18]

@@TokyoLens well I think it's the opposite since we are watching your videos.. I'm serious.. I got addicted to your channel.. And thanks to you I will follow my passion.. You are spreading it world wide 😁

[@karawethan]

I love the fact that between the low, middle, and high quality necks, the highest quality is not the "most" resonant, but rather the "best" resonant. It is something far more subtle and nuanced than volume alone. Rather, it is the way that the material reacts to the the vibration of the string...I have never played a shamisen, but I have played many other string instruments, whether bowed or plucked, acoustic or electric. It is hard to describe, but you know it when it happens.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

Incredible craftsmanship

[@TokyoLens]

Really is! I am honored to have been able to capture it! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch!

[@StephanLorse]

Daaaamn Dude! That might be your most beautiful video ever! Congratz to your new Shamisen! Seeing you being all over the moon about it is very contagious, I'm so happy right now! ^o^

[@CanadianMakerProject]

i fell like i been taken on a trip i will never see myself ever doing and i thank you so much for that, and i hope one day your able to fulfill your dreams.

[@jwoodyr1]

Congratulations, Norm! I don't know how you didn't tear up ... I did. Please keep the shamisen videos coming.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you So many more to come

[@winterodochartaigh2536]

I'm confused as to how anyone watching this, gave it a "thumbs down"... It's clearly titled that this is a personal video of your next step. One we've excitedly gotten to follow you through. This video oozes your emotions. It's infections. Add to it that we all learned much from it. Not just more about you and your passions, but about how they're made. Incredibly skilled craftsmanship. I was also excited to see that you opted for a non-animal option. Very humane, I love you all the more now! And as I said, that exquisite unveiling at the end.... Just beautiful. I mean how does anyone not like it?! 😲

[@YvanDaSilva]

Omg, I loved this video so much. Thank you @Tokyo Lens ! This is really really awesome. I don't know were to start. THANK YOU for sharing this videos with us. The craftsman really loves his craft and the fact that he shared that with you is so amazing. Komatsu san seems to be an amazing person with lots of love for his work, and the quality of his shamisen for what we can see here seems to match his passion. Please keep making your videos and keep showing us the beauty of Japan and its people. PS: I love the fact that leave Japanese talk as much as possible in the video.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much and I’m so glad that this video spoke to you that much!

[@kamakanokea]

Watching this video 3years after it has been posted. Seeing how much effort and care was put into making your new Shamisen. And then remembering your video of when you got hurt and you saying that because of the injury you got in your hand. That you might not be able to play the Shamisen again brought me to tears. Got me thinking how I would feel if I couldn't play ukulele again. I hope you don't give up on playing Shamisen Norm. Aloha from Hawai'i 🤙🏽

[@JacobsJapanJourney]

This was like magic seeing all the pieces come together to become amazing instrument. Your new Shamisen is so beautiful and you can tell its been but together by a true master. Hope your Shamisen takes you to new places.

[@MSmith-Photography]

I can believe that it would be a huge honour seeing your new shamisen being crafted right in front of your eyes.

[@Lucidiumshards]

Norm, really proud of you man. It's been amazing following you up to where you are now. おめでとうございます！ Thank you so much for sharing this special monent with us!

[@TokyoLens]

thank you for being here and taking the time to watch~

[@markfrost4064]

Genuinely heart-warming to see you so moved and excited by this process, it obviously means so much to you. Thanks for sharing dude.

[@purplesparklefelicity5731]

Oh Norm. I am so happy for you! Please know right now I am crying. This is so huge for YOU! PLEASE ACCEPT MY LOVING SUPPORT MY FRIEND. HUGE SQUISHY HUGS FOR MORAL SUPPORT 😘😘 I am so blessed that you are sharing this with me. Still crying. Please Norm thank each and everyone of them again personally for me. Out of just sheer appreciation of their blessing of their craft to you and yours. Still crying.

[@TokyoLens]

awww thank you so much. This means the world to me~ I really appreciate you being here. Touched on this a bit in the podcast. Hope you got a chance to hear it!

[@purplesparklefelicity5731]

@@TokyoLens I don't know how to get to the podcast,Norm. I am sorry. 😱😶😢🙏💜💖💜💖💜💖

[@TokyoLens]

No worries it’s everywhere! iTunes Google Spotify For now, here’s a link if you are ever interested! anchor.fm/tokyolens Thank you so much again~

[@maikitx6838]

This video is gold, I've never seen such an illustrative video about how a shamisen really works. Thanks!

[@bluefootsteps2356]

The joy and excitement in your voice and on your face was lovely to see. What a beautiful instrument made with so much love and care. I am happy for you

[@Blade51]

This warms my heart Norm

[@TokyoLens]

Awww thank you! I may have Been a bit excited for this one!

[@wolveneyes44]

It is beautiful, I've been waiting for this video. Thanks for sharing such an in depth of the process

[@al55848]

Thank you for the opportunity to witness this. The craftsman and his craft, extraordinary.

[@thetypebeast]

So happy for you, Norm! Thank you, AND Komatsuya-San for sharing this process! A lot of love went into that shamisen and it shows! ☺️

[@zoescott779]

It is so wonderful to see people so excited about quality craftsmanship. There's not enough of it these days

[@pinoji]

三味線作り、初めて見た。凄い工程だな。

[@aryasadhana1456]

I never thought watching a 12-minutes KZbin video can give me so much insight into a foreign culture. Thank you!

[@graylad]

This was probably the most emotionally honest video I have ever watched. Your genuine enthusiasm and appreciation shone through. I was very moved. ありがとうございます

[@Codelinkz_]

You are by far my favorite youtuber, I just love every second of your videos. I really want to go to Japan and I plan to after university in a couple years, watching you always gives me motivation to want to go there!

[@Kiyra18]

Hey Flux.. I'm planing to visit Japan.. Not sure about living.. I mean it is somewhere in my dreams. But hey.. Maybe we will meet there.. Would be so cool😁

[@Codelinkz_]

@@Kiyra18 Yeah maybe we will sometime :D

[@cherishyork4199]

The video literally made my morning. I kept smiling as you shared the excitement of your new shamisen being made.

[@nancyd6770]

I love wood!! I wish I had learned to work with it when I was younger, but I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now. I am a 70 year old woman and I nearly cried when I saw the beautiful wood come to life and to have watched someone who really cares about his work. So many people don’t appreciate this kind of perfection and how it brings a deep satisfaction when you really care and can be proud of what you do. Thank you for sharing.

[@dattmay]

Absolutely, incredibly stunning instrument. You can really tell the care and attention that was put into every inch of the shamisen. So happy you were able to have this opportunity 😭

[@j.i.bennett9934]

Wonderful, truly shows the craftsmanship of the instrument. Thank you for making this video.

[@PhiTonics]

These handmade in Japan videos you have are just the best, real craftsmanship is so uncommon in the west, so refreshing to see.

[@Linkofhyrule565]

I am very happy for you Norm. The passion you show in this video and your pure excitement are off the scale. It makes myself and i'm sure many others think to what makes them happy and pushes them to keep going. Thank you for sharing the most important part of your life with us and may your Shamisen bring you a lifetime of joy and for bringing us joy as well.

[@bridgetteb4112]

What a beautiful instrument. Congrats Norm, I can feel your excitement. Can’t wait to hear you play.

[@Hector.Banuet]

Awesome video. The time flew so quick with this video and I was sad it ended.

[@TokyoLens]

Means the world to me Thank you~

[@donnakawana]

It's a work of complete Art, made by a total craftsman his expertise an detail to the creating of each part of the shamizan... The wood the crisp sound of that priceless neck... had me in tears an frankly breathless just the sheer excitement of it all... Just beauty in Art... Can't wait to hear the music created with such a finely made instrument... Thanks for sharing your life an the lives of others with us!! New sub catching up ✌🏻💗😊❣️

[@rachelb1080]

The amount of passion and pure love that blasts from this video had me tearing up. What a beautiful thing you have Norm. You showed us a world through your eyes and it's breathtaking. I wish you continuous happiness in your life!

[@pavolva9347]

Thankyou for sharing something that is rarely seen! It was sooo interesting to see how the process is done and how much care goes into making the shamisen... its incredible

[@antti-jussikemppainen305]

The excitement is tangible here! The passion and the mastery of the craftmanship is really awesome and conveyed beautifully from both of you. And the beauties.... You out did yourself with the beauties. Perfect lighting, edit and shots. 👌

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much for that I’m really glad the excitement translated into the screen!!

[@daniel-4767]

It is so nice to see you being exited about something you obviously love! 🙌

[@Count-Drekon]

You can see the amount of love he puts in every of his shamisen builds, it's incredible

[@francescabrooker-rao9534]

How wonderful, thank you for sharing with us, the emotion really comes through, it's an instrument of beauty

[@astererratum6546]

Ahhh! I would love to be an apprentice for him. The amount of love and passion for the craft is so wonderful! I wish I could apprentice for a traditional trade craft. I miss the old artisan mindset. It feels so lost nowadays. Everything is made fast with no love or passion.

[@cheriestl]

Creation before our eyes. Relationship was integral. So much beauty comes from this video. My life has been enriched.

[@cheriestl]

Norm, you mentioned that there are parts of your shamisen are very unique. I'd love to see a video explaining just these parts. That made me very curious.

[@danking6446]

Soooo effing beautiful, Norm!!! 🙌🏼 Congratulations on the purchase, but more so, congrats on the time, love, and commitment it took to graduate to your new boo! Mahalo for sharing and play for us again... real soon

[@quinccat1347]

It's so beautiful to be shown how much hard work, practice and attention to tradition you've put in and how much your excitement resounded in me because of that! So happy for you and it's truly a beautiful instrument and process.

[@zulu123-x2d]

Awesome !

[@repHAWAIIxJPN]

This was so heart warming to watch , I’ll gladly wait a couple years for you to break in the new shamisen just so I can hear you play

[@STIguy-ny6iu]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much for being here

[@geishavampiresa]

Norm your new shamisen came out beautiful. Can't wait to see you play it soon!

[@rubytwoshoes1032]

I am blown away by how emotionally connected I felt watching this wonderful video and so greatful that you shared the beautiful journey with us 🙏🏻 Such craftsmanship is a rare and fine thing, the excitement, love and joy radiating from you both is intoxicating. Thank you. 🇬🇧💖🙏🏻

[@MotoiShibusawaGuitarist]

Congratulation on the new shamisen Norm! おめでとうございます。応援してます！

[@joeyguillen2081]

That is awesome it is cool to watch you follow your dreams. What great camera work at the end.

[@TokyoLens]

Happy to have you here~

[@oniruelette]

I am a little late to comment but this video is beautiful and I can feel the emotion in this one. So very happy for you Norm!

[@rachelmasseyart]

This whole video is wonderful, there's definitely a lovely feeling throughout. It's like I'm watching some heart-warming animation about the journey of the shamisen and its creator 😁❤️

[@paulafromtexas]

Yeah so cool I going to wait very patiently for a video with the new shamisen. It's going to sound very good.

[@Weylin_Kuro]

A masterfully crafted instrument to be passed to someone who will perfect their craft with it that is beautiful.

[@jimz68]

Thank you so much for sharing this adventure. Your new shamisen is beautiful. Enjoy !!

[@mmason290]

thank you youtube for recommending me this ❤️

[@KennyYokoyama]

Wow...literally gasped as the camera moved downstairs in the kitchen. The passion and energy flowing out of the video is just amazing! Congrats!!

[@SuperSneakySakura]

Congratulations! I started tearing up at the start. I don't ever even tear up about much. I'm so happy you got to reach a whole new level. いつもいつも頑張りますよね！未来は鮮やかですから。

[@KirstenReusch]

Such an amazing difference of quality of sound in the woods. I don't think I'd have the heart to go below mid grade to high end, worth every penny (or yen as the case may be). Wishing you continued success on your journey with your beautiful piece of art.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you Kirsten! I’m glad that you could appreciate it that much!! Have a great day!!

[@lscsophia8529]

Love the way you put your passion towards shamisen in this video. Thank you for sharing, Bravo! ✨👏🏻

[@laylaharcourt3544]

Watching this video sent shivers down my spine. It was great of you to share this wonderful process with us all!

[@kahvipaputyyppi]

I watched this tears in my eyes. It was just that touching to see how exited you were and how much passion and proficiency the whole video had in it, truly beautiful. 🤎

[@kidmackenzie]

Amazing!! You are so lucky!! I have been following the Yoshida Brothers forever!! I love there sounds!! Congradulations!!

[@dianechaniewski293]

That. was. beautiful. I almost teared up. The level of craftsmanship is a beautiful thing to watch as well. I hope this passion of excellence for each piece never dies. I love how you got to customize it...those neon yellow strings were something else. Hearing the different sounds the different qualities of wood make were amazing. I loved how at the end he said "come back and play a song for me". :) Which part was the surprise? The hidden basement of wood? Thank you so much for sharing Norm. Once again, you make me want to think more about my purchases and the quality of product of the things I buy and how I can improve my life through the quality of choices I make. (food, clothes, shoes, books, etc.) I hope I can find more local craftsmen (and women) to purchase from. Every time I purchase a high quality, local, hand-made product, I just feel the warmth and joy that the object was made with and it makes my heart happy. Thanks again for sharing, I really, truly, enjoy your content. I hope one day our journey's intersect!

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha the surprise was the B-Roll I’d just the Shamisen at the end I tried to express my feelings for the beauty of the Shamisen through this moment and purposefully left it to the end so that those who did stay to watch, could really feel it! Thank you for always being here!! Means the world to me!

[@dianechaniewski293]

@@TokyoLens yes! The B-roll was beautiful!! :) I felt it.

[@Pogue4]

I feel honored to watch this Video to see the Love and expertise is amazing. Can't wait to hear you play.

[@Just1Nora]

The sounds of the different necks were amazing. I am a jeweler who loves wood as an accent in jewelry and sculpture, but your shamisen is as much a piece of art as an instrument.

[@cleathercrafts]

That's incredible! There's nothing like seeing your instrument made in front of your very eyes. You're bringing home a unique part of a countries culture and there are very few things that top that! As a fellow artisan, seeing his workshop space(And wow, his wood storage!!) was a feast for the eyes! You're a lucky guy. Enjoy your gorgeous Shamisen.

Oh wow! Thank you for letting us into a world normally unseen. My heart was racing from the passion leaping out at me - not just you, Norm, but the instrument maker, and the connection to an ancient and noble art. At 10:21 I got choked up and nearly burst into tears. I know, right? Total respect for all involved. You rock.

[@NutCase]

Norm, this is a thing of beauty for sure. I knew a little about the Shamisen before starting to follow you, but I feel I've learned so much more just by watching your journey. I can't wait to see you your new one.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for just being a part of it It means the world to me~

[@NutCase]

@@TokyoLens for sure. it's a pleasure to get to see all that you share!

[@negiatama8195]

Congratulations on getting your new Shamisen, Norm. Delighted for you. The video is absolutely amazing. Definitely up to par and even beyond! Looking forward to hearing you play the new beast!

[@CalamityPyn]

Norm!! I love this video so much! It is so amazing to watch all the little details that go into making this beautiful instrument. I couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire video. I got a little emotional too. Seeing you all excited and passionate about this really makes this video so special. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. And can't wait to hear you play it!

[@2ndPortal]

Soo happy to see people have soo much love for instruments! Humbling

[@ctyragdoll]

Hand made instruments are pieces of fine art that go one step beyond - they create additional art and bring out the talent of those lucky enough to be blessed with them. Congratulations!

[@saphirsteph]

Oh my god Norm, we can feel so much emotion in this video! I’m so excited for you! Thanks for sharing that special moment 😊❤️

[@zenbugami]

Japanese craftsmanship is something different. I was always amazed by how they are forging original katana swords. Shamisen craftsmanship is definitely on the same level. I'm especially surprised by this golden core 😮

[@veronicahallada5051]

This passion can only be from something life changing and soul touching! My heart was racing, I was so excited as all these amazing pieces were crafted and coming together! Your enthusiasm is infectious!!! Thank you for sharing this special moment with us!

[@kevinlane7555]

It's really lovely to know that this level of craftsmanship still exists in our hurried mass produced world

[@GemBonhamHorton]

Wow that was an amazing journey thank you for taking us on it with you. Congratulations it’s a beautiful creature I can’t wait to hear her sing for us

[@mikaylajweighill]

I loved this. What a privilege to be able to go with you and watch this unfold. It clearly meant a lot to you. Thanks

[@rhapsodyandtea5249]

Wow, what an incredible process it is to build an instrument. Such a delicate craft! How amazing that you could be part of the process and film it and share it with us. The detail shots at the end looked incredible!! Hope you have the most fun learning to play on your new Shamisen. Can't wait to hear you play it once you feel ready to share it!

[@HandmadeDarcy]

Thank you so much for sharing the whole of this precious experience between two men at different stages of a truly, wholly purposeful life. I’m sure you play beautifully, now. 🙏🙏🙏

[@DanMan869]

Keep following your dreams, Norm! Love seeing you so excited!

[@winterodochartaigh2536]

Beautiful. The end viewing, beautifully shot.

[@macbryant822]

Simply Beautiful. True appreciation for the culture and craftsmanship. Can't wait to hear you play soon.

[@redgunnit]

Hearing that sao wood comparison was sooo satisfying.

[@Lestatsuxme1013]

Yay! Thank you for sharing your musical journey with us. Such an amazing process and so personal! So happy for you, here's to many wonderful years of music!

[@brayleighhope4246]

I love how excited you get over different things. You just burst with energy and your excitement is infectious lol what a gorgeous instrument! I am so happy you have this one.😊

[@NanaSry]

Why does it feel like actual magic?? The birth of this shamisen is even quite emotional? Is it bc I see how excited you are for it!! Doesnt matter! Gives me chills!!