Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. One of our students who finished his 1 year program this spring is now learning a Japanese traditional music instrument, shamisen 三味線.
The shamisen is a Japanese lute with three strings. It is played with a plectrum. It has a long neck and a small square body leathered with animal skin on the front and back. It is believed that the origin of it was an Okinawan three-stringed instrument called the “sanshin 三線” which originated in China. Shamisens were introduced from Okinawa in the 16th century. They have been widely played in folk art music for epic stories and narrative songs. Shamisens are also essential instruments in the orchestras of the kabuki, bunraku, and other traditional performing arts.

March 28th News, from NILS Japanese language school.