Inside a Real Japanese Shamisen Shop

Today we are taking a look inside a real Japanese Shamisen shop, from Tsugaru Shamisen, to the Japanese Kokyu and so many more original products, we get to explore this shop before it even opens today! A real life peek into the world behind shows like Mashiro no oto (those snow white notes) Want to Learn Shamisen? Shamisen Lessons: bit.ly/LearnSh...
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Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
1-10-5 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
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[@TokyoLens]

It has been all too long since I have had the chance to put out some Shamisen content!! So happy we could get this experience! *Question: what was the first Shamisen video you saw from Tokyo Lens? leave a comment below!* And for all of you who have been asking about how to learn, or where to get cheap shamisen, its all in the description box! and lessons... are right here: bit.ly/LearnShamisen

[@JoeSchmmo]

One the videos you did with Kiki if I can recall correctly

[@KishyKuro]

It was oke of the shamisen and cherry blossom videos

[@Jug_or_not]

The first one was "Japanese Craftsman Built Me A Shamisen | My Japan Journey" actually also one of the first videos I saw from your channel in general

[@alphamike87]

The first I watched was “Japanese Shamisen Girls-KiKi”, from three years ago

[@sanashi27]

The one where the girls played in the tunnel with the really long staircase.

[@thecolortwelve3784]

I don't think I've ever really heard a Kokyu before. That was beautiful.

[@athulbalaji5711]

Absolutely 💯😍

[@fallzero7304]

You probably might've If you watch animes Countless use this as a sound effect either in OP/ED songs or maybe even incorporate with OST or just delibrately with the instrument portrayed as well

[@FearAbsence]

Reminds me of the chinese Erhu

[@LucasMatos78093]

Bisky!!!!

[@hyb1368]

Same. I love Shamisen and Kokyu music. I want to play them both.

[@lopezmeli023]

Anyone else seen the anime “those Snow White notes”? It’s all about the shamisen. Love it!

[@xXDESTINYMBXx]

Same here

[@NerdyLaundry]

Absolutely LOVED it. The soundtrack was so good.

[@bandiceet]

As much as I enjoyed the musical component of the series, I found the basic plot of a bit meh and run of the mill.

[@waltersumofan]

Gave it a shot, ended up watching all 12 episodes. It was good, had many emotional hits there. However it's not very original, many identical plots and designs to 2019's Kono oto Tomare! in many ways. Right down to the passed away grandfather, music visual expression, and music competition. It's like a pitch meeting, "Kono oto Tomare, but with shamisens instead of kotos!" I really think that happened. Also some of the voice actors I recognize from Haikyuu. Maybe I couldn't get into it due to so many similarities. While the opening few episodes are very emotional overall I will miss Kono oto Tomare more as I think it was more sincere and the original. Unfortunately they made the protagonist really hard to like and not making any sense when he already should have learned things. Also the name Sawamura has got to have been used so many times in anime I wonder if it's a marker of a lame character or bad ending? Ace of Diamond anyone? Why? Anyway I do thank you for the recommendation and would score it at around a 7/10. Cheers

[@yodawg2685]

@@waltersumofan The Manga of Mashiro no Oto started from 2009, while Kono Oto Tomare started from 2012

[@Jug_or_not]

Always nice to get Shamisen-related videos from you. You can really see how passionate you are about them!

[@TokyoLens]

so many more to come!

[@emmablack_kuro]

Such an peaceful yet haunting atmosphere listening to her wonderful performance while there’s rain with thunder and lightning happening outside my apartment right now

[@brianriebeek9285]

Always lovely to see people so passionate about their hobbies with so much energy, even that early in the morning.

[@stephenfreeman8617]

What can I say …thank you for sharing norm and your talented guests!!! The lady at the end and how she played was quite emotional as it sums up everything I love about Japan and it’s culture. We’ve cancelled twice and probably will be cancelling September to see our 2 sons who live there. Thanks again for sharing.👍👍

[@Sock-Puppet]

I've probably heard a Kokyu played a million times before, never knew what the instrument was or how it was made. That was honestly amazing.

[@SamChaneyProductions]

Kokyu also sounds a lot like the Chinese erhu so you might be thinking of that one

[@kaikai7784]

@@NaeniaNightingale not necessarily, anime like inuyasha it was an erhu

[@Youngpoet15]

This shop is great! My husband is really interested in the electric shabo. Definitely keep us up to date when the English directions are ready. We can’t wait to purchase one :)

[@TokyoLens]

will do!! the shamisen lessons that KIKI are doing still have early bird pricing! (cuz messing up the care alone can destroy the shamisen) cheers eh!

[@cheriestl]

I Hope you got one.

[@bleedingwell6403]

The sound of the Kokyu honestly gave me chills it was so beautiful.

[@AmeliaAbroad]

Wow the kokyu really is a beautiful instrument! It seems like it conveys so much emotion in such a little body

[@sarahramos2919]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and haunting sound! It is like taking a walk through a forest as the sun begins to break through the fog. It is the sound of Japan that I have always known and never heard before. Japan is just like that.

[@sweetarchangel6748]

Oh wow, the kokyu sounded like very slow celtic music. That tune she played was so pretty. Tbh, as much as I enjoy all the documentaries you've been giving us, I have missed the shamisen related content too ♥

[@Stormcrow89]

Words can’t describe the blissful emotions the music of the Kokyu elicited within me…it felt so different yet familiar. Such a lovely shop and even lovelier people!

[@chrispersad8388]

My dog absolutely loves the sound of kokyu. She gets hypnotized. Cool sounding instrument. Surprisingly simple yet versatile

[@michaelgroob3760]

It really takes me in, such a time honored and valued tradition craftsman shop. Everything is revered for its beauty, elegance and purpose.

[@Shanyandao]

It’s been a while since the last shamisen-related video, so i was really happy when i saw this in my notifications! The owner seemed so nice and i love the sound of the kokyu! Havent heard of that instrument before :0

[@TokyoLens]

honestly such a beautiful instrument! Thank you for joining!

[@narayanagaula]

Different style of music, but if you're interested in kokyu you can search "jiuta Yachiyo Jishi" here on KZbin for a lovely example of Kokyuu accompaniment. Incidentally, the shakuhachi seems to be the main reason kokyu is so rarely heard these days, a pity.

[@stinky_lizard]

I have one of their wooden body shabo's and I've been slamming away on it for over 4 years, I seriously love the thing

[@Kaitlynde]

Wow, the kokyu has such an amazing sound. I had no idea that some of the different notes are made from actually turning the instrument itself rather than only manipulating the bow like you'd see with a cello. Also really amazing that the cardboard shabo was created to help people learn shamisen basics without the major investment and care requirements that a regular wooden shamisen would involve. Thanks for sharing this one! Always happy to learn more about these amazing instruments!

[@TanukiSC]

Possibly my favorite video you’ve done. You truly were like a kid in a candy store and your love for the instrument and respect for the craft really shone through. I’ll never get tired of your videos on the shamisen. Great stuff!

[@chrislessard975]

I love the fact that just one thing, one item, can bring so many people together. It can create bonds, friendships of our love of said item/thing. It could also be an idea that brings us together. The art of giving should be a skill we all poses. People need to remember in this world that gratitude is an action

[@ET_Videos]

The playing style of the Kokyu is very interesting. Pretty sure that's the first time I have seen it being played, and I lived in Japan for more than 10 years!

[@balalaikabeginner]

The kokyu is such a beautiful, underrated instrument! Great video as usual!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you very much!

[@InsTAus793]

The bowed Kokyu was really beautiful to listen to, and as a violinist I'd actually be interested in learning how to play it

[@alphamike87]

I’d love to go to this shop and I definitely want to learn to play Shamisen

[@coffeedreams40]

I've no musical knowledge or talent whatsoever, but even I can appreciate how beautiful the sounds of the shamisen and the kokyu are, and how calming and therapeutic this lovely shop tour is. And an amazing rendition by the lady with the kokyu, This is so beautiful!! such a treasure trove in Toyama - must visit on the Japan trip!

[@renzosanantonio5952]

Kokyu’s sound was absolutely breathtaking. I didn’t know that it is the sound of Kokyu until I watched this video. I wish I could visit Japan someday ☹️❤️

[@cheriestl]

The excitement even early in the morning is encouraging for me today. Thank you for introducing us to an inventor!

[@maryambaharudin9783]

The kokyu playing at the end gives me an image of misty mountains, it's so beautiful. Thank you for introducing us to such a wonderful instrument!

[@aspherr_]

I've been curious about the Shamisen for a while. The music it produces is so cool so I'm defo gonna try and learn it once I get to Japan 😃

[@TokyoLens]

always happy to hear when people are into the shamisen!!

[@Hilde_von_Derp]

That's really brilliant innovation. Getting reasonably priced but well crafted instruments into the hands of students and amateurs is a fantastic mission. The love and craftsmanship is beautiful to see. Thank you to the shop owner for his time.

[@zenbugami]

Amazing shop! Even if you're not interested into learning shamisen, it's worth going there for the pure experience, that this place has to offer! And this music at the end is so amazing :o

[@marcusa3177]

Whaddup notification squad! I love it when a person gather the courage to innovate and challenge tradition without coming across as disrespectful of the art. Especially moreso since this is by a Japanese, a country and culture where non-conformity is frowned upon. Now I want to hear how a kokyu ensemble will perform/would sound alongside a taiko group to tell a story with a fusion dance group. Yes I miss watching live performances hahahaha

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

My memory in Kyoto is back thanks to you! I was staying at a Japanese inn and luckily there was a special shamisen performance at that night and it was so beautiful..😍Although shamisen is Japanese traditional musical instrument, I hardly ever have chance to see the performance! Hope your video inspires foreign people to get to know more about it!💕

[@KirstenReusch]

Absolute goosebumps from the Kokyu piece. Beautiful. Thank you for this peek.

[@Goddess050991]

So glad to see you doing another shamisen video. You look so happy. You have made me appreciate the shamisen so much more over the years.

[@grinningidiot]

I really enjoy these videos where you go to these amazing shops where they hand craft such wonderful things as these shamisen. I feel like it also really brings a great spotlight to these fantastic craftsmen.

[@chelffie3867]

Oh my gosh that ending! I had literal chills. So so beautiful

[@Bruuhhhhhh]

Never heard a Kokyu before... Damn.. it got me in trance for a moment. Glad you covered it and decided to put the unedited playing at the end.. it was beautiful.

[@iqbalchuvan4890]

That little shoutout for the anime Mashiro no Oto on the description box 👀👌 I watched the first episode today and immediately recognized the Tsugaru Jongara Bushi song being played from watching your videos, how cool is that!!!

[@michaelcherry8952]

13:09 Beautiful! Just, beautiful. I'm really impressed with this shop. The shado with the built-in mike is a cool idea. Thank you for this (as always!)

[@erinbanana22]

Wow! I love the sound of both, and know I've heard a kokyu before! It's so distinct sounding there's no mistake 🥰🥰🥰💗 beautiful! I love that they made their own versions to make taking lessons less expensive too that's so beautiful of them to share their love for music in that way

[@seath46]

That song played with the Kokyu at the end was really beautiful. Thanks for uploading Norm!

[@NerdyLaundry]

Wow what an unbelievably cool video! Thank you so much for this video Norm! The sound of the Kokyu is so beautiful. I can't wait to see the work that the two of you do in the future.

[@Strider_Shinryu]

Thanks so much for the intro to the kokyu. I had heard it before but had no idea what exactly it was or even what it looked like

[@dpi209]

That is so awesome, and a very important part in keeping the cultural heritage interesting and accessible to the younger generations! The dedication really shows :)

[@elflass5544]

So i watched this video months ago but am rewatching some of the shamisen content on the channel. I still love the sound of the kokyu, but I found that my cat loved it too; when that part of the video started, he came over to listen! A musical connoisseur :)

[@gina2764]

The sound of the electric one was unexpectedly cool! I really liked it. Also my first time hearing a Kokyu. Misato's play was amazing. The (affordable) version Mr Hamatani created sounded beautiful too. He seems so passionate about creating these instruments and giving everyone the chance to learn it.

[@johancahyadi6905]

In Indonesia, for Javanese traditional instrumen, Kokyu is simmilar with Rebab. But Rebab has 2 strings instead of 3

[@saylork8547]

Getting to music shops right when they open and no one is there yet is the best! Thank you for the tour! And I really enjoyed the kokyo playing! 👏👏

[@DukeofGrease]

That Kokyu performance at the end was beautiful! I love when you share these kinds of stories Norm. I would have never known of this instrument and its wonderful sound without you sharing. Keep it up bud!

[@ItsaMeSandy]

Wow, it's amazing how such a similar looking instrument can sound so different. Kokyu's sound is very full, soft and intense at the same time. Really beautiful.

[@Ozai75]

Absolutely lovely shop and people. Amazing to see the ability to create something not just affordable, but beautiful in both form and function. I could feel your excitement through the screen, Norm. Well done.

[@jamiegoosney]

I play a fiddle, but that music she created brought a tear to my eye. Thanks Norm, another great Video, as usual. So nice, I watched it twice.

[@auberginearcher7610]

I loved Mashiro no oto! I’d literally sat on the edge of my seat like a giddy child while I watched it! I have a lot of shamisen music in my playlist and not many of my friends/colleagues like it, but there’s something about it that my heart and soul adore! 💜 Thank you for this wonderful peek inside the shop, Norm! ☺️🎉

[@tylerlivingston2637]

So, I ordered the SHAMBOX about a week ago as a birthday gift (to myself), and it just showed up today. Love the design as it makes it really simple for complete beginners to understand the sheet music.

[@darriendastar3941]

I applauded at the end of that. It was completely beautiful.

[@Tragedyking]

the kokyu gave me chills. thats so lovely.

[@gingerleegirl6697]

Applause for that beautiful performance.

[@indysaur]

Oh my gosh, the Kokyu was beautiful.

[@TokyoLens]

gotta send you a bit thank you message soon~ welcome to the "P" side of the adventure!!

[@indysaur]

@@TokyoLens Glad to be here ^.^

[@elflass5544]

Norm! What a beautiful video! Everything from the different types of shamisen, to the introduction of the kokyu, and the warm and wonderful staff of the shamisen shop. And of course, you always point out details like the bachi on the outside of the building. Glad to learn more about shamisen (such as the sawari buzz), but hearing that heartrending kokyu music was just amazing. Thank you, thank you.

[@paulmccool378]

Great video, Norm. While I have ZERO aptitude for playing musical instruments, over the last few years, listening to the Yoshida Brothers and Kiki, has really made me a fan of shamisen music, so I always appreciate it when you do videos about it.

[@FearAbsence]

When i saw the "electric"-shamisen my first thought was that you could really make some cool sounds by plugging it through some effect-pedals.

[@rustyknight6190]

Just like, WOW, that was completely awesome and amazing. So awesome to see people trying to make ways to reduce the entry point for people to get involved in ANYTHING, but this was truely amazing. So much passion (all of you)

[@kingrocklee]

When I first watched this it got me checking out some shamisen videos on youtube. Thanks for the random trip down the youtube rabbit hole.

[@LAWEALOLEQUISDE]

1st one was actually the one about yours being built, i love japanese traditional music, so I did hear some similar sounds like that one, beautiful music, so relaxing

[@morgoth4932]

Been watching this channel for quite some time and it's definitely underrated...

[@greggorydavis3993]

What a cool video! The Kokyu is now the second amazing instrument that I've had the pleasure of discovering thanks to you. Thanks Norm!

[@Rodolfobia]

this felt like a real close look into the artisan's workshop and it was very unique and warm. great video, thanks for sharing

[@marygreene4027]

Until your channel I had never heard of this beautiful instrument, what you are showing is so important to their culture and should be shared just as the Irish tin whistle and harp are to Ireland. A country's own unique sound is so important. As always lovely to see

[@perdomot]

That song at the end of the video is exactly what I think of when I think of music from the far East. Absolutely beautiful.

[@gentlydirking4912]

mesmerising ending x.x snow white notes made me want to learn shamisen, and now that ending performance did the same for the kokyu

[@memeranglaut]

Great video on the shambo. I will put this in my bucket list for my next trip. also the sound of a kokyu is very similar to an erhu.

[@stephielulu9096]

As a Japan lover and musician, I loved this!

[@floccinaucci]

Finally back from work, time to enjoy.

[@TimofeiGI]

And I'm back to Binge through Tokyo Lens been a long year and missed being able to sit and watch stuff hope you're well Norm 😁

[@brayleighhope4246]

Oooh my, the kokyu sounds mesmerising 😮😊 thank you so much!

[@lepetitlamadelastreet_2413]

So beautiful !!! Thank you for this moment !🙏

[@JiSiN3000]

Thank you Norm 👍🏻 The next time i find myself in Kanazawa... i should probably check out Toyama including this Shamisen Shop 🤓

[@eric1800es]

The kokyu is a great sound. Amazing how rotating the instrument makes such a difference. I hope you run into a koto player one day.

[@francodambolena]

Both the Kokyu and the Shamisen sound beautiful, nice to see such variety within this set of instruments, would love to learn how to play, has some northern european hints when playing near the end of the video.

[@Disig]

Oh wow, the Kokyu is so cool! This was my first time hearing one. it's beautiful!

[@randomsandwichian]

Saw the thumbnail and thought "Shamisen?" 🤣🤣 Got me. Some context; I had played (for a short while) the Chinese instrument called an Erhu (二胡, two beards 🤣), so seeing a Shamisen-like instrument played with a bow really piqued my curiosity, and I swear it sounds similar too. Always wanted to pick up playing instruments again (that and drums), and now, the Shamisen too.

[@lauraboanas7817]

Ooooh I’m super excited to watch this when I get home! 💖

[@TokyoLens]

super love that you would come in to drop a comment!

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens I can’t miss the initial drop! Gotta share the love!

[@lauraboanas7817]

@@TokyoLens just watched!! Holy cow, they’re all stunning, what wonderful instruments and that kokyu performance was … 😘👌🏻 so captivating, hauntingly beautiful even.

[@1Raphael]

Her playing was Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@FailureManagement]

Oh I got chills after listing to that ! It's too good😍

[@cam_machi]

this video was awesome ! The shop owner was cute and especially the frog instrument. I swear, that "electric" one should be really popular

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Great video! Very interesting to see the innovation the shop owner is doing and I really enjoyed the kokyu demo - the vibrato is very nice on that instrument.

[@katylibarnes9393]

The first video i saw about shamisen was the Best Tokyo Restaurant video where you featured Kiko restraurant. After that, i looked for more of your shamisen videos. When you played a bit in this video I realized that i miss watching you play. I guess i will go look for more of your shamisen videos after this. Plus, now i am intrigued by the kokyu and the shabo. I loved the performance by Misato-san in the end.

[@chelffie3867]

Oooh yay! It's been a while since we've had Shamisen content like this. I've actually been fascinated by Shamisen for a while so this is very cool

[@lordy7227]

Moooooooooore! Love the beautiful sound of the Kokyu.

[@zepeling5955]

watched another of your shamisen videos and now it has me so intrigued

[@eyuelnegash2681]

I love it beautiful shamiviolin with beautiful sound thanks Tokyo lens💚

[@AlcvinRyuzenRamos]

Thanks, Norm! That was awesome! So cool to see and hear the Kokyu as well - and to hear Kokiriko Bushi played on it in the place of its origin, Toyama!!! Soooo cool!!!! I'm definitely visiting there next time I visit Japan!

[@MageThief]

A shamisen video is ALWAYS to short for me 😂 Oh I love the sound of the Kokyu, had such a beautiful sound, never herd or known about the Kokyu before so this was exciting.

[@WineZ22]

Thanks for sharing about shamisen. Also thanks for having all the information in the description.

[@alphamike87]

The Kokyu and the Shamisen look amazing

[@londoncreative]

I follow a girl on TikTok that plays the Kokyu, I didn't really know what it was that she was playing, or where it was from, until now. I can't remember the 1st Shamisen video I watched of yours, but back then like with the Kokyu it was a realisation of finally understanding what it was after seeing it for years. Because I once photographed a Japanese performer in London (I was a performance photographer), who sang and acted on stage and then pulled out a Shamisen and played, but she played really fast and it sounded like Blue Grass and still does to this day In certain instances.

[@yossisureta2578]

Love watching your Shamisen content! Misato’s Kokyu sounded so beautiful as well. For me, the first video shamisen video of Tokyo Lens was the one you played in your room!

[@megamcee]

That kokyu sounded divine.