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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Discovered shamisen through rakugo performances! There is sthing very peculiar about this sound that totally makes you travel in time! Such a cool instrument!
'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)
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!
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
"...it's not even Tokyo Tuesday." WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-
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..
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
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? ☺
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?
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!
The showcasing of the different playing styles was really informative. Really hope the restaurant opens back up. What drew you to learning the Shamisen?
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.
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!
I love this. Where I can get one? I'm from Europe Romania. I want some website where I can have the English language available, not a koreea, Japanese site where I don't understand a dime lol. Thanks.
Probably the weirdest comment you're going to get on the video... it sounds somewhere between a slide guitar and a banjo to me, the style looks like slap base, so my brain goes "slap banjo? neat!".
Soo Japan rocked before rock was even a thing 👍🏻😎
First shredders from the look of it.. glad to have stumbled across this video.
The Japanese’s respect for just... everything is astounding
He’s shredding! Dammmmn!
Just the coolest instrument of all time!
Hey everyone!! What else do you want to know about shamisen?
Leave it in the comments below!
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?
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.
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.
Where can I learn shamisen in Tokyo?
I know there are lot of schools...but will you please suggest any good one?
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.
Grew up in okinawa, it's nice to see this instrument coming out to other places.
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.
Omg it sounds incredible 🎉🎉🎉 thank you for showing the shamisen to the westernised audience
*Okinawa style* I LOVE THAT
Reminds me of Ganbare Goemon
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.
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
Such a cool instrument. Amazing music.
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.
Hi Norm!
🪕
The Shamisen is such a beautiful instrument. The history of it is so fascinating!
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!
I liked the tsugata style (sorry about spelling)
Tbh the videos you have made about the Shamisen are probably my favourite! I can't get enough of the sound it makes!!!
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!
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.
Ah cool, was actually looking for the restaurant! Will keep looking!
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.
The shamisen itself looks stunning!
Another Tokyo Tuesday. Classic binge watch.
Being a big fan of shamisen music I found this video very entertaining and educational. Thanks.
2:46 Its music sounds like an form of european early music- with a drone while a melody is made above it.
Ki&Ki are so good, my favorite players together with Chie Hanawa
What a great shamisen lesson. I like the northern style of playing the best.
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.
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.
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.
That’s amazing... 😳
Your videos never disappoint, I truly enjoyed the shamisen history and music played y mr. Kiki .
beautiful music, lovely People, great Video as always.
Also, Niinuma Kenji’s song Tsugaru Koionna is a love letter to the Tsugaru region.
It has a line about listening to Tsugaru Jyonkara.
Serenade the night away Norm! Such nice sounds
The Shamisen is a fascinating instrument, :) this was so informative, thanks for that, Norm.
Discovered shamisen through rakugo performances! There is sthing very peculiar about this sound that totally makes you travel in time! Such a cool instrument!
Very good storytelling.
'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)
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!
I believe the tuning for them is CGC, could be wrong though
It's CGC.
Wow that guy can play! 😁😁😁
I love listening to the slower pieces :) you are so good at playing the shamisen!! I so want to learn to play an instrument
This geisha/Kyoto style... reminds me of music in first pokemon game, when we enter the city with pokemon ghost tower 😯
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
When he started playing Gion Kouta I got goosebumps ✨
Your face while listening to the music shows how much you love it!! :D
Today, TH-cam just recommending me a lot of shamisen videos from Tokyo Lens.
You play the guitar really well too!👍 The Kimonos the girls are wearing are stunning!
This video absolutely made my day! Your content has been top notch recently! Loving it! Much love
Even the coloring of the Bachi remembers me about the styling of plektrum for guitar or bass
#bingeclub
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?
I'm also really curious to know if he's continued any ventures elsewhere
I love the sound of the Shamisen! I would like to hear you playing th Shamisen if possible😀😄
Thanks for sharing this ! I ll be in Tokyo tomorrow , I ll definitely check this out !
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!
Love this video so much! How did you get into playing it?
Also love hearing another Canadian say our special brand of "abouht"
So the "abouht" is a Canadian thing. I thought it was just Norm. Thank you for the info.
Abewt
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.
Came for Tokyo Lens, stayed for the Shamisen.
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.
NORM ROCKS!!! :D hahaha and that old guys not too bad himself ;)
"...it's not even Tokyo Tuesday."
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-
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..
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
What is Shamisen? Uhm... Awesome. The Geisha style sound is probably my favorite though. Okinawan style almost reminds me of a banjo sound.
A great and informative video, it was awesome to hear how the Shamisen has evolved and hearing the different styles.
When you hear it play it's the sound of Japan for me 😊
Very cool! Thank you for the introduction to shamisen
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?
The mongols are gangsta until the samurai starts shredding.
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? ☺
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?
Epic dude !!!!!! Love your vids, keep up the good work!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍
This is so awesome, really enjoyed this video!
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!
Oh, this is the shop you mentioned recently that closed down already 😔
Cool video, wonderful instrument! Thank you Norm.
What a fascinating instrument. I never really knew much about it until now! The idea of having no frets sounds pretty tough!
It's more or less like the trombone, you just learn what the note feels like.
The showcasing of the different playing styles was really informative. Really hope the restaurant opens back up. What drew you to learning the Shamisen?
I learned a lot.
Thank you!
Loved the video
Such an awesome instrument!! 😍
This was so informative!
Ok I just wanna say that I wanna learn Shamisen! how would I even start? where could I get one from?!
Love it, string instrument!
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.
Great video. Thanks!
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!
Interesting stuff. Just subscribed. Nice video!
Fascinating.
That was awesome
Great sound love it .
Loved this vid
I am half Japanese and I did not know of the shamisen till now. Thank-you, my mind is blown.
Do Shamisen have carrying cases? How do you take care of one? are they sensative to humidy? What is involved with buying and upkeep of one?
Question on the body of the Shamisen - what is it mainly made out of? The skin at least.
I love this. Where I can get one? I'm from Europe Romania.
I want some website where I can have the English language available, not a koreea, Japanese site where I don't understand a dime lol.
Thanks.
Excellent!
Probably the weirdest comment you're going to get on the video... it sounds somewhere between a slide guitar and a banjo to me, the style looks like slap base, so my brain goes "slap banjo? neat!".
one of the songs reminded me of Matchstick Men status quo
Avatar the last air bender is what I think of every time I hear the Shamisen
Wow!
Okinawa style 2:46
Kyoto style 3:47
Tsugaru style 5:04
I liked the Okinawa style
Semiens's broader part is hollow or solid ?