What is a Shamisen? 三味線とは？

[@xkeepersvk]

Soo Japan rocked before rock was even a thing 👍🏻😎

[@JheMeeMaps]

First shredders from the look of it.. glad to have stumbled across this video.

[@EliteSniperTV]

The Japanese’s respect for just... everything is astounding

[@EliteSniperTV]

He’s shredding! Dammmmn!

[@ChiipGames]

Just the coolest instrument of all time!

[@watersage7395]

Grew up in okinawa, it's nice to see this instrument coming out to other places.

[@dattmay]

Please know that you were the first person to introduce me to the Shamisen and I’ve grown to love it so much. Not enough that I’ve ever had a chance to learn or play it, but you’ve really helped me discover an interest I never knew I had before.

[@mariusluciannicolae3109]

*Okinawa style* I LOVE THAT

[@beckerzineo]

Reminds me of Ganbare Goemon

[@sasuke1243]

I love the way Kodai-san changes his posture between the styles. it's very interesting to see the different mindsets to play the same instrument

[@TokyoLens]

Hey everyone!! What else do you want to know about shamisen? Leave it in the comments below!

[@silviag3798]

Tokyo Lens It wasn't quite clear in this video - but I thought I heard you say the bachi is used both to produce and to silence the sound of the plucked strings? Is that correct? If so, how is this done, and what kind of effects can you get by doing this?

[@zam023]

This got to be one of my favourite videos from you. Looking forward to more shamisen. I really like the sound of the Okinawa and Shugaru styles.

[@Banecrusher1]

When are you making a video of you playing shamisen? Also, it would be great if you could do an interview with Ninagawa Beni from Wagakki.

[@madhavishinde5045]

Where can I learn shamisen in Tokyo? I know there are lot of schools...but will you please suggest any good one?

[@celestrine]

What is the bachi made of? Are they all the same, or do they vary in form and composition? Also, what are the strings made of? Thank you for introducing us to the instrument and its various styles and history.

[@andy-kai-chan]

Awesome video. I will be in Tokyo in 3 weeks and had already planned to visit the restaurant. So cool that you're highlighting it.

[@sunjewel63]

Ah cool, was actually looking for the restaurant! Will keep looking!

[@silkvelvet2616]

that turned into a fantastic history presentation, the ending was brilliant! Once I watched all of this channel, I'll go back and start on the Shamisen channel.

[@elflass5544]

How kind of your restaranteur friend to assist with this informative video, and his performance at the end was amazing. This was so interesting; I knew a bit about kouta and nagauta but have definitely learned more about tsugaru shamisen through this channel! Keep up the great work!

[@DreamingCannibal]

Tbh the videos you have made about the Shamisen are probably my favourite! I can't get enough of the sound it makes!!!

[@NortherlyK]

Another Tokyo Tuesday. Classic binge watch.

[@alice_underland7724]

Hi Norm! 🪕 The Shamisen is such a beautiful instrument. The history of it is so fascinating!

[@eric1800es]

Not ashamed to admit this, I like Enka music. Mainly because of two things. 1. It oozes Showa Era vibe. 2. I can usually understand the Japanese. The accent and language use is “bookish” enough that I can use a dictionary to learn words. Hosokawa Takakashi - Boukyou Jyonkara is a bomb OG song. Heavy on the tsuguru Shamisen for a song made in the late 70s or 80s by the sound of it.

[@sammileft587]

The shamisen itself looks stunning!

[@olafoomes]

Being a big fan of shamisen music I found this video very entertaining and educational. Thanks.

[@zofiadoesntneedwithstand4672]

I liked the tsugata style (sorry about spelling)

[@sunjewel63]

Your handsome friend plays beautifully . . . and the look on your face when you listen to the music is priceless. I can tell you love this sound. Question - Are you still studying with the Yoshida Brothers? I have quite a lot of their music and listen to it often

[@adaligogh4049]

What a great shamisen lesson. I like the northern style of playing the best.

[@loftythemite5586]

I love this instrument! It’s nice to see a brief history on it. It’s cool to see the functional part of it too in colder areas.

[@LUCKEY11202.]

Your videos never disappoint, I truly enjoyed the shamisen history and music played y mr. Kiki .

[@practicker]

great way to end the video. funny story that goes like this: "I just realized that the traditional Japanese winter music that I had listened to a while back was played with a shamisen" and it was great!

[@AutumnRed]

Ki&Ki are so good, my favorite players together with Chie Hanawa

[@Count-Drekon]

The Shamisen is a fascinating instrument, :) this was so informative, thanks for that, Norm.

[@MephistoRolling]

I always liked the Shamisen sound. But i think i like the slower versions better. more slides and interesting sustained note harmonies that really highlight the unique sound. when its played fast i always just get the song dueling banjos stuck in my head.

[@Carodactyl]

Love this video so much! How did you get into playing it? Also love hearing another Canadian say our special brand of "abouht"

[@zam023]

So the "abouht" is a Canadian thing. I thought it was just Norm. Thank you for the info.

[@IETass]

Abewt

[@Ren_Brands]

beautiful music, lovely People, great Video as always.

[@Stoneysilence]

I love the shamisen, have several cd's by Agatsuma and The Yoshida Brothers. It's got such a unique sound. Kinda reminds me of a Banjo, but less twangy and a quieter sound.

[@XOyo-kaiWatch]

Omg it sounds incredible 🎉🎉🎉 thank you for showing the shamisen to the westernised audience

[@sammileft587]

Serenade the night away Norm! Such nice sounds

[@LaraMuzio]

Your face while listening to the music shows how much you love it!! :D

[@joshuamstark]

Such a cool instrument. Amazing music.

[@gracecadet3244]

Such an interesting and elegant instrument! And I loved seeing the sheer joy on your face while you were explaining the different styles and their origins. How long have you been playing? ☺

[@johnnyhi-tone3610]

Being a hillbilly in Kentucky, I have a banjo and was wondering if I could somewhat replicate the sound with it. You would be hard pressed to find a shamisen here. What is the tuning? In what key are the strings? As always, great video and thank you for what you do!

[@salemflowers4122]

I believe the tuning for them is CGC, could be wrong though

[@shandelrey08]

It's CGC.

[@kavitababla1814]

You play the guitar really well too!👍 The Kimonos the girls are wearing are stunning!

[@sudhanadhikari6308]

Very good storytelling.

[@NanaSry]

Discovered shamisen through rakugo performances! There is sthing very peculiar about this sound that totally makes you travel in time! Such a cool instrument!

[@giovanafrederico]

This video absolutely made my day! Your content has been top notch recently! Loving it! Much love

[@cookiekunty]

When he started playing Gion Kouta I got goosebumps ✨

[@Tomuvalerie]

Thanks for sharing this ! I ll be in Tokyo tomorrow , I ll definitely check this out !

[@LifeWithMrsB]

I love listening to the slower pieces :) you are so good at playing the shamisen!! I so want to learn to play an instrument

[@kizbartlett]

A great and informative video, it was awesome to hear how the Shamisen has evolved and hearing the different styles.

[@hopeahooper]

How did you get into Shamisen? What did you first use? Where would be a good place to buy one, both for newbies and higher quality. what are the differences between a cheap, middle, and nice Shamisens? How do you learn? Is there sheet music or just a teacher taught by ear? I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS THOUGH, sorry. But thank you for this video! I live in Ishikawa, and I'd really like to learn Shamisen!

[@Assassin5745]

Hi Norm! I hope you are doing well. Its sad that this restaurant has closed down now. None the less, this is a very informative video and you go into great depths about the history of an instrument that has been such a pivotal part in your life. Did you ever get the chance to play at this restaurant before it closed down? Or do you still keep in contact with him at all?

[@Tufukins]

I'm also really curious to know if he's continued any ventures elsewhere

[@laylavladi]

That’s amazing... 😳

[@SimonsLivingroom]

For a minute I thought you were going to answer the question about how you met Kiki😉 Great to see the owner of Kikko. Thats where I met Kanami san for the very first time and Kiki for the second time. Fantastic food and atmosphere too. 😊 Did you mention Chikuzan Takahashi? People should search him on youtube for some top quality classic Tsugaru Shamisen. I like tsugaru and sanshin. Classical shamisen is ok if its in a mix with shakuhachi and koto. On its own ,geisha style, (especially with the singing) it kind of grates..

[@schwambibambi6492]

I love the sound of the Shamisen! I would like to hear you playing th Shamisen if possible😀😄

[@zenbugami]

This geisha/Kyoto style... reminds me of music in first pokemon game, when we enter the city with pokemon ghost tower 😯

[@soul832006]

Nice. I've learned something new about Japanese culture! Thanks for sharing! Next time can you film how you use the bachi as it was cut off on my screen.

[@KirstenReusch]

Visiting Kikko (and Kodai-san) is still one of the top things on my Asakusa list. I love his very different interpretation on Tsugaru Jongara Bushi. Did working with him on this video inspire the way you like to start your performances with a "walk" through the history of shamisen or were you already doing that?

[@line_goto]

I love this video so much! Very informative and such a pleasure for the ears. I've learned a lot from it, thank you for your great work!! Also I was wondering if you could do something similar for the koto, which I started learning this year and I'm absolutely in love with it!

[@akiolife19]

Today, KZbin just recommending me a lot of shamisen videos from Tokyo Lens.

[@jessicajayes8326]

I wish I could build one and learn to play it. I learned how to play ukulele with videos and I'm pretty good at it. I often use my acrylic nails as picks. Going from a small 4-string instrument to a taller one with 3 shouldn't be too hard.

[@AustinJEller]

What a fascinating instrument. I never really knew much about it until now! The idea of having no frets sounds pretty tough!

[@nevoyu]

It's more or less like the trombone, you just learn what the note feels like.

[@Chapsow]

awesome video!! such a cool instrument! Are there enough "teachers" in Japan that teach Foreigners? (In Japanese or English, that doesnt matter). I really want to start learning it while my Year abroad. We don't have much Teachers in Germany near my University and City.

[@derekmcfadyen127]

Wow that guy can play! 😁😁😁

[@yosi1989]

'60-'80s second-handed and properly maintained shamisen are awesome! (The weight of the body is becoming lighter and lighter due to the over-harvesting of the red wood used for this)

[@steffanfockenssf]

Hej brother, ive seen a few off youre vids also the one in the shop you went too i personally love the culture the music but also anime and how the music has such a deep resonating sound . If i didnt come acros youre vids i would not know it whas called shamisen. Il subscribe too support youre journey . Respect to you from the netherlands

[@cupcakelikes]

Very cool! Thank you for the introduction to shamisen

[@MarkandMarie]

What is Shamisen? Uhm... Awesome. The Geisha style sound is probably my favorite though. Okinawan style almost reminds me of a banjo sound.

[@DaeronK]

Cool video, wonderful instrument! Thank you Norm.

[@bork0992]

The showcasing of the different playing styles was really informative. Really hope the restaurant opens back up. What drew you to learning the Shamisen?

[@giovanafrederico]

You said you use your learning to help you better yourself as a person. Could you talk more about that? Also, loved the but where you showed us how you play. You're great!

[@robertcurrie1160]

When you hear it play it's the sound of Japan for me 😊

[@petrosgreekgoth3858]

Epic dude !!!!!! Love your vids, keep up the good work!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍

[@Albeit_Jordan]

"...it's not even Tokyo Tuesday." WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

[@junwu9954]

How did you learn to play the shamisen like that?? Its difficult and you really amaze me with your patience and talent. You remind me of a flower blooming.

[@EunoiaVVitch]

This is so awesome, really enjoyed this video!

[@Rosstc88]

Fantastic!

[@tinathetangerine3413]

Such an awesome instrument!! 😍

[@eric1800es]

Also, Niinuma Kenji’s song Tsugaru Koionna is a love letter to the Tsugaru region. It has a line about listening to Tsugaru Jyonkara.

[@jamei]

This was so informative!

[@Loivado]

Even the coloring of the Bachi remembers me about the styling of plektrum for guitar or bass #bingeclub

[@SmurfsOMalley]

Came for Tokyo Lens, stayed for the Shamisen.

[@karenreese1488]

Loved the video

[@dudekmaster6759]

NORM ROCKS!!! :D hahaha and that old guys not too bad himself ;)

[@nowgaku]

I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@abuchaninjapan6285]

Interesting stuff. Just subscribed. Nice video!

[@TotallyMH729TsMH]

This was very insightful! Loved the *Fukui Kodai style* of Jongara Bushi! xD Edit: It's really interesting to hear that many artists find controlling the bachi harder err continue to practice it even as they reach their peaks since the pieces I've heard yesterday and today had devilishly hard fingering (or so I think). The shamisen continues to amaze me. Also, I've got another place I'd love to visit in the future (the restaurant's website is gorgeous)! Lastly, idk if you'll see this but I have a question. Although I do know that the sao's thickness can vary (chuzao, hosozao, futozao), do you think a person with small hands (15 cm from the middle finger) can handle learning/playing the shamisen? My hands feel intimidated. HAHAHAH

[@ValhallaWise]

Loved this vid

[@jwoodyr1]

Great video. Thanks!

[@CoversbyPatYam]

Oh, this is the shop you mentioned recently that closed down already 😔

[@jessjackson9935]

Great sound love it .

[@Knittedbyknadj]

I would love to have one of those kimono 👘 robes.. thanks for sharing and ur desk is awsome

[@OrcaSpace]

That was awesome

[@patrickstruik4318]

Love it, string instrument!

[@60frederick]

Yes, I have already subbed to your instagram! I like the music of shamisen - but I can't play an instrument.... Thank you for sharing your video with us!

[@beamer-au]

I am half Japanese and I did not know of the shamisen till now. Thank-you, my mind is blown.

[@katanankes]

Fascinating.

[@cutiesoupia]

The mongols are gangsta until the samurai starts shredding.

[@nicolak95]

What are some good places to hear someone play if you were visiting Tokyo? :)

[@SimonsLivingroom]

Nicola K If Norm doesn't beat me to it then the restaurant Kikko in Asakusa in the video is a good location to hear shamisen. I have been twice and met Kiki there twice also. Be aware that you will have to buy lunch (reasonable price good quality. Very traditional old style setting.) Or if you have enough money then the kaiseki dinner is great. In both cases there is usually a tsugaru shamisen performance whilst you enjoy the meal😊

[@zam023]

Good question! I was going the ask the same :-) Maybe Norm can take us to a concert ^_^

[@personalcontrasts73]

I really enjoyed that video thank you! My favourite string players: 1. Estas Tonne 2. Miyavi 3. Kodai-san 😁

[@trinity_null]

This would sound bomb as fuck with some drums and Eurasian throat singing.

[@n1hondude]

The subtitles were a treat to read while listening 😂 I’m sure it wasn’t Norm who did it eh haha Awesome video as always! 🤩

[@TokyoLens]

? I don’t get it I do my own subtitles for all of my videos What do you mean?

[@n1hondude]

@@TokyoLens First line "what is a Xiaomi said" Maybe it's youtube autogenerated, youtube is always the problem lol

[@TokyoLens]

@@n1hondude lol ahhh you mean the auto generated subs eh 😂 Yea I rarely touch those They can get pretty wild! Lol

[@purdy9431]

one of the songs reminded me of Matchstick Men status quo

[@hack2it]

Wow!

[@loveyoubugaboo]

I'm really loving the shamisen! It sounds so beautiful! How much are the shamisen?

[@shaulasark]

basic price is about $500 or more. highest grade exceeds $6,000 ... or more...

[@thatoneradicalizedprussian225]

@@shaulasark Well there goes me learning how to play.

[@supernoodles908]

@@thatoneradicalizedprussian225 you can get cheap ones for $200 but I really would just save up for a bit longer

[@marinanonihon]

Whaa that was great^^ There is an anime called Shouwa Genroku Rakugo and they play something I knew it was very japanese but I couldn't tell what instrument it was. Thanks for telling me kk and if you got time, i think you will like this anime(;

[@Stoneysilence]

If I saw a Bachi just sitting around, I would think it was a windshield ice scraper. What is it made of? Looked kinda like fused glass?