What is it Like to Play the Japanese Shamisen?

This is a Japanese Tsugaru Shamisen, and today I am sharing what it is like to play it. I got my start 8 years ago under a duo known as The Yoshida Brothers, and today I want to share with you a bit of Shamisen playing and a few tips on how and where and how to get started for anyone interested.
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SHAMIBOY REPLACEMENT (full set with plectrum!):
shami1000rakuya.com/item/7251/
Hear it in action: • $100 vs $20,000 Japane...
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!
www.Patreon.com/LearnShamisen -- The monthly price will be lowest for those who join early!! Enjoy~
Unfortunately Komatsukya is no longer accepting orders (so I have linked a replacement above)
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shamisen-komatsuya.com/en/
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• Shamisen | 三味線
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[@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...

[@yaboikungpowfuckfinger7697]

Imagine trying to invade japan and hearing some guy shredding while a group of samurai shout YOOOOOOOO

[@rikustorm13]

Bruh I was just thinking this

[@martiddy]

More like kabukis instead

[@thorthethunderdawg5289]

Aztec Death whistle i think takes the cake...imaging thousands of those as your boats landing

[@alvercaine8893]

youre forgetting the bamboo fountain "tuk-tuk"

[@adgtr383]

@@thorthethunderdawg5289 Aztec Death Whistle: ARGEHEHEGGHHRGHRH

[@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

[@likkha]

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

[@ariusanimus6985]

Totally

[@malicethemighty7560]

Ye

[@sillypig80]

Indeed!

[@AdonisNo]

YEEEES

[@Nation16]

Literally!

[@rikustorm13]

Kabuki actors: YOOOOOOOOOOOO Shamisen players: *start shredding*

[@ArdhanFadh]

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

[@rikustorm13]

@@ArdhanFadh Lol nice

[@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~

[@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

[@akiolife7198]

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

[@rkconcepcion4387]

Yooo same. YT algorithm is sometimes scary lol

[@akiolife7198]

@@rkconcepcion4387 yeah,dunno what they did to us

[@TheKronoshell]

Same bro hahahaha

[@rickycoacola4859]

Same

[@ricoedogawa493]

Me too

[@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*

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@chrischristensen9038]

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

[@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😊

[@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!

[@user-ws3td3zq7e]

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!!

[@user-ws3td3zq7e]

Tokyo Lens 🤟🤟

[@user-ws3td3zq7e]

YoMamasTacos Thank you!!!

[@archibaldwhitwerr1918]

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

[@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.*

[@CT--vs4kt]

Reverse situation anyone?

[@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!

[@Jin_923]

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

[@YourChoom]

Yes I was thinking the same thing

[@canicallyoubaby4411]

Ya bro me to

[@samuelchandler1995]

Instantly thought this

[@senorquack5182]

Toki's Shamisen from One Piece.

[@JoonDeWire]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 🤯

[@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

[@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.

[@teokakashi84]

Kamashi is the japanese thunderstruck.

[@slyfawkes7772]

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

[@400cabal]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-ou4df7on6f]

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.

[@DeliciouslyHarmfulProductions]

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

[@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

[@Togao_]

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

[@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

[@joshuamstark]

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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@sludgerat666]

Or 123?

[@gej300v]

Joe Handoko exactly what I thought lol

[@Sk0lzky]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!❤

[@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..

[@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 😂😂

[@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.

[@rangr5029]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@cameronroberts2137]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 👍😁

[@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

[@kellyhuynh8232]

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

[@roxazaloah]

This was beautiful to watch. Thank you for sharing this!! I've always been interested in the shamisen and how it works - so you covered quite a lot of the questions I had. I also had no idea how versatile it was and how beautiful an instrument it is.

[@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?

[@jamesblazer9836]

The Yoshida Brothers are masters of the craft. Absolutely beautiful

[@xbxspartan]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@isola7ed506]

I really love how awesome it sounds and its a beautiful instrument

[@JWL216]

so happy to see you making videos about your music.

[@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!

[@shiray4310]

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 😌

[@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

[@AzureTakeru]

When i hear a shamisen played i always have this feeling where i shake and listen to it and when i closed my eyes it feels so comfortable when i close my eyes and it's a great sound and i would sometimes imagine the sound and combine with my imagination and it's really happy it's just makes me smile

[@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

[@CoversbyPatYam]

i believe this was one of the first videos I watched in your channel. Now that I'm saving each video on my watch later playlist, I'm glad to encounter your channel and know more things about Japan. Keep it up Norms!

[@anasnajoui]

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

[@yaminogame7805]

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

[@ldlbricks6413]

This video is one of my favorite in terms of editing, great job. You didnt make me wait a second to hear what I came here for and there’s a perfect amount of information and actual playing unlike a lot of other videos

[@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.

[@kraklovich]

Ibuki has been in my spotify liked songs since last year and seeing this video really connects mental strings. I love japanese music, new and old.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@zepeling5955]

such a unique sound. been playing the guitar all my life and would love to try one of these

[@daraki8007]

Fascinating! Love the sound of shamisen.

[@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 😂❤️

[@user-kd4cb7qo1d]

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！

[@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.

[@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.

[@gama7256]

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

[@MandyDrex]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Thank you for sharing your true love with us. I’m always excited for shamisen content!

[@user-cx9nj3rw7y]

Well I'm watching your videos like the 3rd day already and just having so much fun, this is so obvious that you sooo enjoing the playing prossess and love it that much so I'm starting to fall in love with shamisen playing as well 🥰😍

[@flanschstyler9916]

man well played brother, very impressive. it sounds so amazing

[@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 🥺)

[@johanliebert6219]

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

[@georgiabartholomew6850]

This is really a cool instrument, thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent!

[@pancon5]

Man, I love how the Shamisen sounds, great vid!

[@Avargatoth]

Man i love the shamisen, i discovered it a several years back, i cant play it but the sound there is no other. It feels like it calms the soul. Such a simple looking instrument but soo beautiful and peaceful. Keep up the good work. It must be an honor to have learned from the brothers,

[@Dezomm]

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

[@JanaSiratranont]

This has got to be the coolest video I've seen in a long time

[@whatthehecktye]

Oh man, you’re the real deal. The fact that you’ve also played with, and is an apprentice of the Yoshida brothers is just incredible! 👍🏻

[@maxg1891]

I've had an interest in playing the Shamisen for a long time and this video gives me even more inspiration to pick on up someday.