What is it Like to Play the Japanese Shamisen?

[@TokyoLens]

I know it took a while to do this video. Thank you so much for waiting~ $100 Shamisen VS $20,000 Shamisen Playoff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqKudHikesmBqJY *FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN:* For anyone interested in learning Shamisen, we have started up a system to each everything from the basics and care, to Shamisen songs, and music! The BEST Place to learn: www.LearnShamisen.com -- The monthly price will be lowest for those who join early!! Enjoy~

[@abdelrahmanhaider4495]

Wow shamisen vid!

[@thempstead]

What is there is say other than yay! Although would be interesting to see some shamisen music (as in hard copy), if such a thing exists and it isn't all memorised by rote, as I imagine it may be a bit complicated ...

[@alphamike87]

Awesome video brother, great playing. I hope to hear you play in person while I'm in Japan.

[@akasha6536]

Amazing, I'm looking forward to seeing you grow to even greater heights ☺️💕

[@geishavampiresa]

Norm nice video, I had a idea since I watch you as well as Sharla I was thinking she plays piano you the shamisen how about for fun a video of you two playing together. What do you think?

[@slap_my_hand]

So you're telling me the japanese were shredding in the 16th century?

[@Chewi_Kitten]

Yes, they were the first lit

[@svilendenchev9984]

There's always an Asian better than you

[@enricofr7079]

more like djenting at 9:33

[@heavenice977]

SPY

[@abdulkadirthecarguy1948]

Trust me...

[@Junglehunter677]

Him: shreds the shamisen Neighbors: why are there yokai in my house

[@swedeonhisway8608]

i was thinking Onimusha but sure

[@rodeofrancisco6130]

Lmfao

[@nickasp8928]

@Christopher Fabian No.. it's simply because the Japanese vibe is strong...

[@nickasp8928]

@꧁Galaxy-Chan꧂ Hello, Scaramouche from Genshin impact!

[@nickasp8928]

@꧁Galaxy-Chan꧂ Identity theft is a crime, you know~

[@SmallBlogV8]

I like how every Shamisen piece sounds like an electric guitar solo with the amp unplugged.

[@karlneumann5785]

Look up Takeshi Terauchi - he led a surf rock band that transcribed Tsugaru jamisen music for electric guitars!

[@zabvza7457]

Marty Friedman believes this is the reason Japanese people of all ages love the sound of distorted guitar and heavy metal music, even the elderly like it because they are accustomed to the timbre of sound

[@princealigorna7468]

@@zabvza7457 It has that buzz. And because that sound is so familiar, they're more willing to throw distorted guitars into pop songs. Which, as a metalhead, I love. I feel way more comfortable listening to idol music than Western pop, because it's either piano ballads, pop rock jams, or electropop bangers (or, if you go back to the citypop days, funky ass disco bass and scratch guitars!), which are all things close enough to metal that they're in my general wheelhouse. And I especially love alt-idol because most that stuff is literally just cute girls singing metal. Upbeat, fun, driving metal, but metal all the same

[@arkadihughes4893]

Have you ever heard an electric guitar unplugged....? That's the worst sound comparison you could have possibly made 😂😂😂

[@phobics9498]

@@arkadihughes4893 Yeah, unplugged electric just sounds like an acoustic that didn't get enough sleep last night. I'd say it's more a kind of distorted electric guitar with it's gain knob at the top but you have a magic pedal that just erases the gain and you get the shamisen

[@rikustorm13]

Kabuki actors: YOOOOOOOOOOOO Shamisen players: *start shredding*

[@ArdhanFadh]

Danggg it, i read it with the mannerism as well. YOOOOOOOOOOO

[@rikustorm13]

@@ArdhanFadh Lol nice

[@enr7759]

I love how part of playing the instrument is physical grunts. It makes it so much cooler and so much more enthusiastic:

[@queenbee4223]

Yeah I was wondering why players did that

[@emptyricebowl]

@@queenbee4223 considering this was usually performed by blind people back then, I think they used the grunts to count the other people in, and to also sort of let the others know when certain parts are about to start, so everyone can play at the same time. Or you know, just to breathe or another reason

[@xXDESTINYMBXx]

@@emptyricebowl if you watch the mashiro no oto anime, in ep two where his mother sings it seems to be used as sign for her part

[@iadiver]

Seems to be a japanese thing. In kendo, you also yell when you strike with your sword.

[@jacobfergusson2830]

dope AF tho regardless, the shouts are straight up satisfying to hear

[@CopperKid_CDN]

I play guitar, and just the sound of this instrument is so......... different in such an amazing way I love the plucky ness of it and the purity of the sound

[@はやて-y6s]

Hi,I’m 🇯🇵! Thank you for reporting Japanese culture!! I’m happy about that as Japanese person . I was interested in your performance. I’m sorry that my English is so bad.. Arigatou! ありがとう！！

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you for watching~

[@yomamastacos2123]

Your English is good!!

[@はやて-y6s]

Tokyo Lens 🤟🤟

[@はやて-y6s]

YoMamasTacos Thank you!!!

[@archibaldwhitwerr1918]

Your english is just fine. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@mangoshake]

2:35 I thought you were gonna troll us with Smoke on the Water lol

[@dasuku1775]

Hahahaha

[@kaim3169]

same

[@mr.machees6488]

This is not Davie504, but tbh, I would like to hear that

[@AM-eg2kw]

@@mr.machees6488 you mean ruby adobe?

[@kiri5345]

035

[@k-lukawaii9573]

I absolutely love the sound of the Shamisen. They and Maiko are what drew me to Japanese culture initially.

[@RichardABradley-ze9qn]

Who is Maiko?

[@Belialthetalkingeye]

@@RichardABradley-ze9qn a maiko is a geisha apprentice!

[@kayokotosaka7743]

You are a good shamisen player. I’m a Japanese. I don't speak English． sorry.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you~

[@tannershumway6719]

かくい

[@_eko_ill.1779]

お元気ですか？

[@TNTTestificate]

@@_eko_ill.1779 Apparently noone in japan actually says that and its just a phrase us gaijin learn to learn how to ask questions

[@_eko_ill.1779]

@@TNTTestificate god dammit

[@marcoesposito8753]

I showed this to a lizard, now he's a dragon.

[@akulsinator7680]

I showed this to my parakeet he's an eagle now

[@franciscoacevedo4880]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FranciscoTC]

@@-120Sanity nice kumoko reference

[@ErgonomicDesk]

@@FranciscoTC Showed this to my parallel wills, they're remnants of the nightmare now

[@FranciscoTC]

@@ErgonomicDesk *only novel readers will get this*

[@likkha]

*Watches Mashiro no Oto* KZbin Algorithm: I see you are ready

[@ariusanimus6985]

Totally

[@malicethemighty7560]

Ye

[@sillypig80]

Indeed!

[@AdonisNo]

YEEEES

[@Nation16]

Literally!

[@tylerrussell9666]

Still think it's amazing how most parts of the world managed to develop such a similar style of instrument while maintaining individuality between them

[@jetaddict420]

@niecers yes heat was invented by sir Temp E. Rature in 1940

[@jancarloberrios6234]

Jet Addict but if it were not for our greatest ancestor, Ötzi, we wouldn’t have the basis for heat, fire.

[@JZHFN]

Omg you're exactly the last samurai!!! As a Japanese, I'm proud of you and your tireless efforts. Thanks for loving our country's spirit.

[@CedZii]

Can't believe i've never heard of this goosebump inducing instrument before, makes me want to try it out but never played any instrument before

[@bronsonstephens5799]

I started with the banjo last year. It has two more strings than this but one less than the guitar

[@deeranfoxworthy6069]

I don't think Rob Scallon has done the shamisen yet. I think he's done the koto but it'd be epic to see a collab between you two!

[@deeranfoxworthy6069]

@@stayskeptic3923 I know!! I love that he covered an instrument from my culture and would love to see him cover another one.

[@farithrosh]

Binod

[@markusmottus1686]

Indeed it would be!

[@robertduff2127]

Someone get Rob a shami boy stat

[@jasonlieberman4606]

Even better maybe to introduce Rob to the Yoshida Brothers!

[@LetsaskShogo]

Two words... TOO COOL!! 最高です😭

[@stiflash]

funny seeing you here

[@UzumakiHarutoJP]

@@stiflash I was thinking about him while watching

[@minimino9878]

It's epic

[@cartermecham1825]

そうだね

[@nileredsexperiment834]

Anything u wanna share from the Edo Period? lol

[@tatsuoh652]

めちゃくちゃ嬉しい気持ちになった！ 日本の古風な楽器にも注目してこうやって演奏してることに凄い感謝😊

[@akd1462]

With that kind of background music , it lead to A Badass Anime Fight scene .

[@TokyoLens]

Indeed 😊

[@MartinBuzon]

Well.. It is used a lot on Avatar The Last Airbender

[@febrizkimawikere229]

and One Piece Wano Arc

[@justshrimping742]

@@Ali-kp7bh *no, I dont think I will.*

[@NUUvs4kt]

Reverse situation anyone?

[@Togao_]

So much respect not many Japanese can’t do those traditional instruments including myself love to see more ppl trying out shamisen

[@bork0992]

With recent events, rewatching this video definitely has a sad undertone to it. Wishing for the absolute best recovery. You’re an amazing player and it’s such a beautiful instrument

[@juliaalexandre5568]

What happened?

[@juancarloscuaocastellanos8813]

​@@juliaalexandre5568 got hit by a bus. 🤯

[@teokakashi84]

Kamashi is the japanese thunderstruck.

[@gerardmourits8709]

That is definitely not a pick you toss into the crowd at the end of a gig.

[@lapelcelery42]

Unless you want to kill someone.

[@rinawyen5583]

ThomasWilliamsMusic or give them a cool free eyebrow slit

[@Limbaugh_]

ThomasWilliamsMusic or throw away two grand 💀

[@mistress9sama]

@@Limbaugh_ This ☝️. Not everyone has $2K to throw on a whim. I already cringed when I paid $2.7K for a bass clarinet for my two daughters to share.

[@misterreza3900]

@@mistress9sama wtf?

[@akiolife19]

After watching Mashiro no Oto, KZbin just recommended me this video.

[@rkconcepcion4387]

Yooo same. YT algorithm is sometimes scary lol

[@akiolife19]

@@rkconcepcion4387 yeah,dunno what they did to us

[@TheKronoshell]

Same bro hahahaha

[@rickycoacola4859]

Same

[@ricoedogawa493]

Me too

[@prestonowens4594]

Listening to this makes me wish that someone’d compose a piece of music that utilizes the sounds of the banjo, bouzouki, and shamisen. I’m curious to see how the instruments could complement one another.

[@toastybatch565]

Preston Owens probably would have a very moving percussive element to it.

[@bbx2206]

Wagakki band

[@domtavis4653]

overwhelmingly twangy tbh

[@Yes-gc7hm]

Bim bim bim thim

[@caidenluna5638]

Preston Owens add a sitar in there

[@baradalamasa]

C G C - similar with drop C metal guitar tuning on string no. 4, 5, 6

[@jaftsix3681]

True

[@marcot117]

It's a c power chord xd

[@sludgerat444]

Or 123?

[@gej300v]

Joe Handoko exactly what I thought lol

[@Sk0lzky]

Probably why it's the only east asian instrument metalheads know about xD

[@CorpusDelecti13]

Why is this recommended to me after watching “These Snow White Notes”? Crazy your apprenticeship is with the Yoshida Brothers. I’ve been listening to them for about 10 years now. Also love Yamato Ensemble for shamisen, koto, and flute ensembles. Happy to see you spreading the love for this fantastic instrument!

[@susbedo9258]

I hope there will be a season 2 to Mashiro no Oto. Absolutely loved the anime!

[@madferret2045]

Oh god, the bachi costs more than my entire guitar rig

[@a0zuniverse]

madferret Idk you can get bachi for a lot cheaper than that.

[@TokyoLens]

@a0z.universe Not this size or make Or... real for that matter

[@shineayandrews1869]

Tokyo Lens *Alibaba has entered the chat*

[@Wesley-gu2he]

His pick cost more than all my guitars

[@snottyboy9983]

Lmao I got my amp from my local dump for free, I bought by guitar for $15, and my strings were $5 so if it's more than $20 it's more than my entire rig.

[@gabrieladealvarengatonet1282]

Anyone here after watching Mashiro no Oto? This instrument is just amazing!

[@fooni7400]

Same

[@snapgame0223]

Same 🤣😂

[@victoremisho9432]

Alright you got me...Not actually started it, but just came across it and it's beautiful music and that's what brought me here.

[@lysamelysa]

Same here ❤️

[@kllrnooooova]

Here!

[@benjaminaltube8731]

I showed this to my dog. *Now he's the new shōgun*

[@hombrerusode40anos72]

More like... "Shoghound"

[@reychop]

Hombre ruso de 40 años more like doggun

[@kapileshkothavale2165]

You mean *Dogun*

[@xy4nderenyandere830]

HA I MY DOG IS A SHOTGUN

[@JommyAnimator]

He is okami now...

[@carenbons8103]

I love the sound of a Shamisen, I had never heard one played until I started watching your Videos, hearing you play is very soothing, after I had a stroke last Mothers Day, I would go to your Shamisen channel and turned on autoplay and listened for hours, often falling asleep listening, LOL, but listening to you play the Shamisen was a big part of my recovery. Thank You for sharing your Talents in playing this amazing Instrument.

[@400cabal]

I just started watching Mashiro no Oto and I'm obsessed with the sound the shamisen makes

[@TokyoLens]

HEY EVERYONE! UPDATE ON THE BACHI SINCE IT GETS SO MANY QUESTIONS: I really appreciate all the interest!! I'll try to summarize what I can here! Here we go... *Starting With... Why is it so expensive?!* The Main Part of the instrument is the percussive element created by the bachi! The bachi is used to beat the shamisen like a drum. For this reason, things like guitar picks and all that don't work The reason that it still uses traditional materials is actually not tradition at all, but rather cost efficiency (in a weird way) You see... for the average player, the bachi can last 2-5 years easily and is the perfect balance of hard and flexible. There are MANY companies trying to make bachi out of other materials BUT 99% of all other materials tried from carbon, to plastic, to resin, to acrylic, break or wear out WAY too fast to warrant their costs. Too soft: Sounds like crap and you lose the percussive element Too hard: Sounds just as bad (all you get is bachi noise) and the player is guaranteed to end up with carpal tunnel syndrom (its happened to a lot of people) Material too cheap: You snap a bachi and rip into the body of the shamisen (and then have to replace that... $400 USD later) Long story short, its an engineers nightmare. There are a few companies getting close to materials that work, but the problem is, it still costs $3-500 for one of their bachi, and they come with a whole slew of problems that end up costing more in the long run. The best option so far is a bachi that after a good long practice session ends up a bit warped, but if you leave it for 1-2 days, it goes back to normal. So buying 3-4 of these and rotating through them is a viable option (but still costs about as much) *THE PLUS SIDE:* while this makes it tough for the average player to buy them, the average player also doesnt play or practice as much as me. I tend to practice or play upwards of 10-20 hours a week. Luckily along with this comes a variety of corporate performances that More than cover the cost of bachi replacements! If you get a cheap shamisen and play just sometimes (or not all that hard), a faux bachi could work out for you (providing it doesnt snap and cut the shamisen, or give you carpal tunnel) I REALLY recommend the ShamiBoy by Shamisen Komatsuya that I talked about in the vid (its linked in the description) because its a perfect entry-level shamisen with very little maintenance! Notes: Mine is particularly expensive because its Much larger than the average players bachi (by as much as 20-30%) But its what the Yoshida Brothers use, and while its more challenging to play with, its just a personal choice~ You can get much smaller ones for under $1000! Hopefully this helps summarize a bit!

[@unknownboomer5415]

You should play songs requests on omegle

[@kenpachibrian]

is kamatsuya still in business? when you try to buy through their website (from the US) you get a "Page Not Found" 404 error.

[@link-kun5974]

Can I join the shamisen group? Of course I'll take the "HUK!" and "HYAH!" part only.

[@pannkoannko9016]

This comment is sooo underrated

[@mewtwaila]

@@pannkoannko9016 honestly though 😂😂

[@yourpalbryan1442]

Me: Watching Mashiro no Oto KZbin: Have a video about shamisen~ I know everyone has said this but I have been obsessed with it lately

[@silverprism7156]

i LOVE how i can even see the love you have for shamisen through your facial expression while you’re playing it. your discipline with this instrument inspires me with my personal goals, thank you norm, i really love your videos :) and happy new year everyone!

[@TokyoLens]

That means a lot Thank you so much!

[@sebass_9212]

This video appeared on my recommended and I can just say thank you KZbin recommendations. I really enjoyed listening to your playing and learning more about this amazing instrument. You really seem to enjoy playing the shamisen, I love that passion on your face while performing, keep it up!

[@TokyoLens]

Amazingly kind~ Thank you so much

[@collyqually6486]

KZbin: watch this man play the shamisen Me: yes, I love the Yoshida Brothers This man: I played with the Yoshida Brothers My brain: explodes

[@TokyoLens]

Lol I still play with them I’m their apprentice, so we meet monthly~

[@collyqually6486]

My bad, man. That's so cool!

[@TokyoLens]

not at all mate~ always really glad to meet someone who knows them They have even been in a few of my videos~ in fact there is a whole playlist of Shamisen content if youre interested!

[@princesscookie1474]

BRUH WE ARE ALIKE

[@viktorfilipovic6955]

@@TokyoLens they did an opening for an shamisen anime shiro no oto, i before them before and the contribution they did to the anime was amazing!!!

[@MrShazaamable]

Me: wow yes I need one "This single japanese pick costs up to $2000 now" Ok dreams can happen I guess

[@SSGSativa]

Lol! Was thinking the same! If that paint scraper is 2 grand, I don't think I can afford the instrument. Maybe I'll get a Shamiboy

[@thesuprisedbitch4077]

But why is it so expensive? Is it because of the materials used or because of the process used to make it?

[@TokyoLens]

For those asking: As I mentioned in the vid, it’s the price for the size, thickness, and quality of the one that I use. There are cheaper ones. But you really get what you pay for. I’d rather spend $1800 and have it last a solid 2-3 years, than to buy something for $300 that’s impossible or difficult for me to play with, or will almost definitely snap or break within a few weeks. The issue is that the synthetic ones don’t work. They’re either too hard and sound awful whole causing damage to the players wrist, or they are too soft and have the same problem. Or they warp, or break. The Bachi needs to handle repeated heavy strikes for extended periods of time. It’s a new world for a lot of people and there are a lot more reasons than this, but in terms of basic reasons that most people would be able to understand, this is a start 😊

[@oreofudgeman]

Going off of what he said, the craftsman he linked sells beginner shamisen sets with everything including the gig bag and pick for like 400 USD after shipping for the basic ones. So if you want to get into it, it's a good way to start :) I'm saving up the money as well.

[@SSGSativa]

@@TokyoLens definitely worth investing in if recording or doing live shows. But I couldn't afford that but it's cool. I make all kinds of stuff like knives, swords, art, etc. Do you think one could be made by one's self or is the material expensive or something? I have to actually do my research on them so please excuse my temporary ignorance.

[@Cizzzeron]

Commenting partly to help with the algorithm. But also want to say that I really appreciate you sharing your love for a wonderful instrument. I actually got into your channel because of your desk (love woodworking) but could not help but appreciating the shamisen as well. I have spent hours watching videos of shamisen music as well updating my Spotify list all because of the rabbit hole you put me down. Thanks a lot 👍😁

[@cameronroberts2137]

Found my way here after starting Mashiro no Oto... fascinating instrument. Thank you for the lesson!

[@DrDingsGaster]

Dude, the Shamisen is a gorgeously wonderful instrument. I'm also extremely jelly you got to apprentice with the Yoshida Brothers also, their music is absolutely amazing. Glad youtube recommended me this video!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much~ I still apprentice with them to this day, and wanted to share something special with you... As I write this reply, I am sitting next to Ryoichiro, the older brother who I showed your comment to! Gratitude is in the air~ Hope your day is beautiful

[@jamesblazer9836]

The Yoshida Brothers are masters of the craft. Absolutely beautiful

[@skeith205]

“Those Snow White Notes” got me to love the not just the sound of the shamisen but the technicality that goes into it. Nice work man had to take forever to get to where you are.

[@09Dragonite]

I love it! My flamenco and classical professor in college required me to practice at a bare minimum of 4 hours per day, but he hoped for me to be able to go for 6 hours to spend more time on my solo pieces (I was in a trio, so our pieces were relatively complicated to practice alone). I love hearing about other instruments and their surrounding culture, and your Shamisen is absolutely beautiful to witness!

[@yaminogame7805]

I love how passionate you are about it, it's so fun to watch you play.

[@Jin_923]

Alright dude, you gotta do a cover of Zenitsu's Shamisen from Demon Slayer

[@LewdMothership]

Yes I was thinking the same thing

[@canicallyoubaby4411]

Ya bro me to

[@samuelchandler1995]

Instantly thought this

[@JoonDeWire]

Or any of the songs from "Those Snow White Notes."

[@koopahmarley9174]

Paused the show & came straight to youtube in sesrch of a video about this lol.

[@shirayxoxo]

I wish i was your neighbor or roommate 😂 I would absolutely love listening to this beautiful music day after day, it gives me chills. I could sit and listen for hours on hours 😌

[@JoseGarcia-mi4ig]

This is that one instrument, that makes every anime battle instense

[@Staplegunner]

Nope it's always the choir, this is just the instrument for fun fight scenes between the tutor and the main character

[@chisherz]

Or when the twelve kazuki summoned

[@helios4329]

This seems like an ideal instrument for literally every movie chase scene in every Asian setting.

[@hgone7221]

Kubo and the two strings comes to mind.

[@arandomguyontheinternet9057]

@@chisherz thats biwa..

[@brayleighhope4246]

No words, just a massive feeling of gratitude for showing us your skills and this beautiful instrument. You’re incredible at playing it. So much dedication!❤

[@erickprado5741]

Bro I just love seeing his replies to the comments and how he’s trying to answer everyone’s questions, we are looking at the true kindness here Btw I always enjoyed shamisen but I didn’t know the name of the instrument, thank you

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers eh Hope your day is great

[@erickprado5741]

Tokyo Lens thanks, u too

[@angelostampanoni7336]

Me: Wonder what kind of memes I'll find. KZbin: Hey, wanna see what it's like to play the Shamisen? Me: Uhhh, yes?

[@joshuamstark]

Norm, this never ceases to amaze me. Such beautiful music.

[@たまお-f8d]

海外の人が演奏してるのめちゃくちゃかっこいい！ あと、三味線の糸巻きが捻れたデザインでお洒落やな〜と思った！

[@GaijinGoombah]

Hell yeah!

[@TokyoLens]

Hey man~ great to have you here Hope things are going well for ya Talk soon~

[@peenywallie]

Goomba got back!!

[@BlackPearl27]

Goomba approved

[@ym-xw1gc]

私は三味線の音が大好きで、その中でも現代の楽曲ではなく昔からある曲だけが好きなのですが、魂のこもった素晴らしい音で本当に感動しました。ありがとうございました✨

[@CrypticM3rc]

Shamisen seems pretty cool to learn tbh, I can tell you love playing it its all in your face! thanks for sharing it with us norm!

[@kanaeogawa3712]

Wow, awsome! I've never imagined that I was impressed and inspired by non-Japanese for traditional Japanese instrument. I would like to start learning it in the near future!!!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you for being sure to separate us by race in your comment.

[@DudeOnASkateboard]

Coming back to this one has become something of a habit now. Paying tribute to, unironically, the best Canadian shamisen player. If supplies last, I'm definitely planning on picking up the plushie when I can spare the cash. For those of us who never got to hear you play in person the recent accident is a tragedy of epic proportions, and these shamisen videos are our saving grace. Legends never die; They live on in the hearts and minds of those who remember them. And Norm the Canadian shamisen player; apprentice to the Yoshida brothers, is one of the greats. ❤️

[@gurururuwarararara8164]

What happened? This just popped in my feed, I don't know this guy but he seems really wholesome

[@SailorVdizzle]

Yes!! I loved it!! By far one of my favorite videos so far!! Something about the sound of the shamisen and watching the hands play is so hypnotic and satisfying to me. I wish I could learn to play it 😂❤️

[@gama7256]

Absolutely man, love your shamisen content. No need to hold back with sharing your passion on your channel.

[@BeefyTanks]

Ive been in love with this instrument since I first heard the Brothers in high school, and you appear to be my same age. I am looking forward to the day when I can afford one of these beautiful instruments.

[@ascended8174]

If you must blink, do it now

[@alvinbautista1872]

Finally! Someone who knows!

[@trinitybanzon2860]

AHHHHH KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGSSS

[@KhoaNguyen-rk9dz]

@@trinitybanzon2860 this one has three but I digress

[@andrewyonemura6269]

Hahahhaha

[@andrewyonemura6269]

I watched that like 30 times in one day

[@Dezomm]

I just love the sound that the shamisen makes. Beautifully unique and uniquely beautiful.

[@wanderer_aq2673]

Who's here after watching the first few episodes of Mashiro no Oto (Those Snow White Notes)? I love the soundtrack of the Yoshida Brothers so far and I'm glad I found this video. If you're a fan of the Shamisen I gladly recommend that show.

[@syleedlibra0712]

Been watching when it came out, suddenly this vid popped onto my recommended. Very cool instrument and sound!

[@lucaiii9955]

Hey, I just found this video in my recommendations and I really wanted to say thank you. This was honestly an awesome little excerpt into a Japanese instrument from someone who is really and truly genuine about it and I think that's SO cool. Your little smiles and seeing your passion there at the end was really heartwarming, and as someone who loves instruments and loves hearing about other cultures, this was one of the best videos I've seen in a while, so thank you :)

[@johanliebert6219]

Am I the only one who's impressed with the editing of this video?

[@kellyhuynh8232]

I'm from Mississauga, your journey is amazing. Thanks for sharing Japan and your beautiful music.

[@Christy070284]

I love the sound of the shamisen 😊 it reminded me of when I went to see the Yoshida Brothers in Toronto many years ago; more shamisen would be lovely

[@omegakyratian413]

Man this is so cool, I always liked the shamisen and im considering a shami-boy rn. Thanks for the great content and advice!!

[@TokyoLens]

omegakyratian my pleasure mate~ thanks for watching

[@pappywinky4749]

I discovered the Yoshida brother almost 16 years ago and I couldn't believe how hard they rip. I'm totally jealous you got to learn with them. I remember hearing Ibuki and Kodo for the first time and getting hooked.

[@DeliciouslyHarmfulProductions]

this was highly educational, and very cool to watch! your passion for the instrument is inspiring

[@xbxspartan]

Something about the sound that is intense and soft at the same time. Love that

[@Rokybean]

Man I was really into your videos about the tiny aps and house in Japan, but MAN you shred on that thing. Whole new level of fan now, keep it up man

[@IkuTree]

Didn’t know what to expect when I clicked on this but your passion definitely kept me interested! Thanks for sharing your love for the shamisen! (Also that cute barking dog 🥺)

[@alexmercer2743]

I've been fascinated with the Shamisen since I heard it in the video game "For Honor". In particular there's an amazing Shamisen solo in the track "Wrath of the Fire Gods". Loved learning more about the instrument.

[@anasnajoui]

The energy of this guy is flowing outside the screen man his passion is captivating

[@theunluckiestboyintown]

I’ve never cried at a video of an instrument , thank you seeing someone play a traditional Japanese instrument and pronounce Japanese words correctly has brought tears to my eyes shamisen is an absolutely amazing instrument

[@beardheartgaming4008]

I was just recommended this and I have no idea why I haven’t seen this sooner! I absolutely love the shamisen and have one of my own! Though I haven’t been able to practice in a couple years due to the skin being in need of replacement, and I haven’t had the time or money to get that done. I’ve been wanting to get back into it though, I miss it so much! This has got me wanting to jump back in again sooner than later! I just need that money to get it reskinned. Lol

[@TokyoLens]

Glad to have you here~ As for reskinning the shamisen, I would HIGHLY recommend sending it out to Komatsuya (ive linked it in the description) their "ripple" synthetic skin is the closest thing right now to the original sound, and doesnt rip lol~ Having spent the last year traveling to like 5 or 6 different countries with pro shamisen players, I can also tell you that its whats being used by a lot of players in Japan here~ There are a bunch of other versions of synthetic skin. Ive pretty much had a chance to see or hear them all. Nothing else comes close to this lol despite their best advertising efforts~ anyway, hope that helps if even a little! Great to meet you

[@corinekung2200]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful instrument here on your channel. The percussive quality of Tsugaru Jamisen never fails to make my heart race even in the cold harsh winter here in Aomori! Maybe this is a sign to repair a shamisen I just inherited. Great playing there!

[@Schattiz]

I just love how down to earth you are and trying to help and make ppl discover new things. I´ve just kinda started following you and you really are so cool. And I love that about you, so relaxed and not triggerd and wanting to help out.

[@StarWarsFAN123456543]

A great way to start the morning I'd say, absolutely loved it! Best of luck in the new year!!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much!! Happy new year!!

[@PIVfirestarkproducon]

Production quality is so good even on a simple format video like this. I love the way the music continues through the next cut / begins before a cut, such a delicate touch that makes the video such a joy to watch.

[@roastme7696]

I'm just here because of the anime called Mashiro no Oto... I got interested on shamisen so started listening to it because of the anime

[@mrceeloogreen]

Same 👍

[@Min-bk2mz]

I recommend an anime called "kono oto tomare", it's about a group of koto, a japanese instrument. It's very good and simillar.

[@alvinalarcon9332]

@@Min-bk2mz That's A Good Anime,I Finished All Episode

[@akasha6536]

That was an amazing video to end of the year and the decade with and I'm extremely happy and proud to be a part of this awesome community and family. Thank you for such an amazing time and I hope to see more amazing and wonderful stuff in the coming years, Marry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New year's 😆🎉🎊🍺🍺🍻

[@skytwist]

Rock the Shamisen, Rock the Shamisen! You're persistent and apparently talented, Norm. Thanks for this personal and informative episode detailing the Shamisen and how you began your journey to play it

[@AQWorldsRay]

Oh baby, here we go Shamisen content 🙌 Love it Norm, thanks for sharing more about the Shamisen as an instrument, and it's always mindblowing to see you play. You're the best of the best 🤜🏻🤛🏻 〜Callum

[@TokyoLens]

CALLUM! Cheers mate 😊 Always happy to have you here~ It was cool having the chance to video chat the other day! Thanks for being such a big part of the adventure mate~

[@AQWorldsRay]

@@TokyoLens Likewise! Glad to be a part of the adventure. I'd love to see a video of Kiki and you sitting together and playing Shamisen, maybe even get some commentary from the girls on their Shamisen journey and how they met you playing on the streets of Tokyo- 😊

[@MonkeyDPirateKing]

I love this instrument. I discovered first in Naruto ost where I wanted to know what was that banjo sounding instruments with the notes that drop. Found out that it was shamisen. Proceeded to find like 0 covers of Naruto's ost featuring shamisen. Love the instrument and whenever I hear it it sound sick!! Please upload more content concerning shamisen (tutorial, history, trivia and mainly songs or covers)

[@dattmay]

Legitimately one of my favorite of your videos. You really just shine in this video and your enthusiasm and knowledge of the topic at hand really shine through. You are single-handedly responsible for basically all my Shamisen knowledge, and I truly would’ve never been as interested in this instrument if it wasn’t for you. Thanks for bringing this beauty into my life and sharing your passion so eloquently with the world

[@onyouracheeks-naposladach3177]

I can't even describe how happy I am to stumble upon your channel, a die-hard fan of yours already. What you do is what I always wanted to be provided with, while trying to look into Japanese culture, thank you so much for that xxx. Please, never stop doing these. Also, as a musician (vastly different instrument, though, I'm a pianist), I LOVE THIS CONTENT SO MUCH!

[@TokyoLens]

Welcome to the adventure!

[@blam9360]

I was trained classically on the trumpet, but I have a huge interest in all instruments, but the shamisen is one of my favorites. It's so different and fascinating to me, and the sound is like none other.

[@ChristianZuidmulder-v6f]

i rarely see a content creator as wholesome as you

[@ubayyd]

Stringed instruments are so fascinating ✨

[@SyrianSoaper]

I already like shamisen but u playing showing us makes it so much more fun

[@rangr5029]

I am so happy people like you are keeping these awesome skills alive!

[@Codelinkz_]

Was looking forward to more shamisen videos :D I will be heading over to patreon right now.

[@TokyoLens]

FluX mate, interacting with you in here over the last... I don’t even know how long, has become more than a true pleasure~ I look forward to getting to know you much better mate!! Cheers~

[@Codelinkz_]

@@TokyoLens It is a pleasure to interact with you here as well, I also look forward to it.

[@oniruelette]

Woo! 💕 That was worth the wait! I am glad you stuck the dog in there 😉

[@TokyoLens]

Lol had to stick the dog in there! 😉

[@williamangliss5063]

I totally understand that stamina aspect of playing music, I play the Ghanaian Gyil and that's something I've regularly had to think about when performing that instrument. Best of luck to you!

[@sweetarchangel6748]

You really need to share your love for the Shamisen more. I love watching your face light up in excitement every single time. It's very endearing ♥ Would love to learn, but, being where I live, it's either very hot or very cold. A shamisen would not last long here sadly. But, I will continue tpo enjoy the music and emotions that it conveys. Best of luck in 2020 - can't wait to see more of your amazing content ^_^

[@TokyoLens]

Sweet Archangel still not impossible lol That’s where the Shamiboy comes in! Anyway Really glad you tuned in for this!! Hope your year ends beautifully ~