First shredders from the look of it.. glad to have stumbled across this video.
@EliteSniperTV4 жыл бұрын
The Japanese’s respect for just... everything is astounding
@EliteSniperTV4 жыл бұрын
He’s shredding! Dammmmn!
@chipohoy6 жыл бұрын
Just the coolest instrument of all time!
@watersage73954 жыл бұрын
Grew up in okinawa, it's nice to see this instrument coming out to other places.
@TokyoLens6 жыл бұрын
Hey everyone!! What else do you want to know about shamisen? Leave it in the comments below!
@silviag37986 жыл бұрын
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?
@zam0236 жыл бұрын
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.
@Banecrusher16 жыл бұрын
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.
@madhavishinde50455 жыл бұрын
Where can I learn shamisen in Tokyo? I know there are lot of schools...but will you please suggest any good one?
@celestrine4 жыл бұрын
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.
@mariusluciannicolae31094 жыл бұрын
*Okinawa style* I LOVE THAT
@eggaiug3 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of Ganbare Goemon
@dattmay Жыл бұрын
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.
@sasuke1243 Жыл бұрын
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
@andy-kai-chan6 жыл бұрын
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.
@sunjewel636 жыл бұрын
Ah cool, was actually looking for the restaurant! Will keep looking!
@elflass55444 жыл бұрын
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!
@alice_underland7724 Жыл бұрын
Hi Norm! 🪕 The Shamisen is such a beautiful instrument. The history of it is so fascinating!
@eric1800es Жыл бұрын
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.
@NortherlyK Жыл бұрын
Another Tokyo Tuesday. Classic binge watch.
@olafoomes6 жыл бұрын
Being a big fan of shamisen music I found this video very entertaining and educational. Thanks.
@silkvelvet2616 Жыл бұрын
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.
@sunjewel636 жыл бұрын
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
@sammileft587 Жыл бұрын
The shamisen itself looks stunning!
@Assassin5745 Жыл бұрын
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?
@Tufukins11 ай бұрын
I'm also really curious to know if he's continued any ventures elsewhere
@adaligogh4049 Жыл бұрын
What a great shamisen lesson. I like the northern style of playing the best.
@DreamingCannibal Жыл бұрын
Tbh the videos you have made about the Shamisen are probably my favourite! I can't get enough of the sound it makes!!!
@practicker6 жыл бұрын
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!
@Carodactyl6 жыл бұрын
Love this video so much! How did you get into playing it? Also love hearing another Canadian say our special brand of "abouht"
@zam0236 жыл бұрын
So the "abouht" is a Canadian thing. I thought it was just Norm. Thank you for the info.
@IETass4 жыл бұрын
Abewt
@zofiadoesntneedwithstand46725 жыл бұрын
I liked the tsugata style (sorry about spelling)
@LUCKEY11202.6 жыл бұрын
Your videos never disappoint, I truly enjoyed the shamisen history and music played y mr. Kiki .
@Ren_Brands2 жыл бұрын
beautiful music, lovely People, great Video as always.
@Count-Drekon Жыл бұрын
The Shamisen is a fascinating instrument, :) this was so informative, thanks for that, Norm.
@loftythemite5586 Жыл бұрын
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.
@joshuamstark Жыл бұрын
Such a cool instrument. Amazing music.
@AutumnRed4 жыл бұрын
Ki&Ki are so good, my favorite players together with Chie Hanawa
@giovanafrederico6 жыл бұрын
This video absolutely made my day! Your content has been top notch recently! Loving it! Much love
@sudhanadhikari63083 жыл бұрын
Very good storytelling.
@MephistoRolling6 жыл бұрын
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.
@sammileft587 Жыл бұрын
Serenade the night away Norm! Such nice sounds
@Tomuvalerie5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this ! I ll be in Tokyo tomorrow , I ll definitely check this out !
@LifeWithMrsB6 жыл бұрын
I love listening to the slower pieces :) you are so good at playing the shamisen!! I so want to learn to play an instrument
@Stoneysilence6 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Omg it sounds incredible 🎉🎉🎉 thank you for showing the shamisen to the westernised audience
@johnnyhi-tone36105 жыл бұрын
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!
@salemflowers41223 жыл бұрын
I believe the tuning for them is CGC, could be wrong though
@shandelrey083 жыл бұрын
It's CGC.
@gracecadet32446 жыл бұрын
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? ☺
@akiolife71983 жыл бұрын
Today, KZfaq just recommending me a lot of shamisen videos from Tokyo Lens.
@LaraMuzio6 жыл бұрын
Your face while listening to the music shows how much you love it!! :D
@schwambibambi64926 жыл бұрын
I love the sound of the Shamisen! I would like to hear you playing th Shamisen if possible😀😄
@Albeit_Jordan4 жыл бұрын
"...it's not even Tokyo Tuesday." WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-
@zenbugami Жыл бұрын
This geisha/Kyoto style... reminds me of music in first pokemon game, when we enter the city with pokemon ghost tower 😯
@kavitababla18146 жыл бұрын
You play the guitar really well too!👍 The Kimonos the girls are wearing are stunning!
@kizbartlett2 жыл бұрын
A great and informative video, it was awesome to hear how the Shamisen has evolved and hearing the different styles.
@jessicajayes83265 ай бұрын
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.
@soul8320066 жыл бұрын
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.
@line_goto6 жыл бұрын
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!
@Rosstc883 жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@hopeahooper6 жыл бұрын
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!
@AustinJEller6 жыл бұрын
What a fascinating instrument. I never really knew much about it until now! The idea of having no frets sounds pretty tough!
@nevoyu3 жыл бұрын
It's more or less like the trombone, you just learn what the note feels like.
@cookiekunty4 жыл бұрын
When he started playing Gion Kouta I got goosebumps ✨
@cupcakelikes6 жыл бұрын
Very cool! Thank you for the introduction to shamisen
@NanaSry6 жыл бұрын
Discovered shamisen through rakugo performances! There is sthing very peculiar about this sound that totally makes you travel in time! Such a cool instrument!
@steffanfockenssf Жыл бұрын
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
@derekmcfadyen1273 жыл бұрын
Wow that guy can play! 😁😁😁
@SimonsLivingroom6 жыл бұрын
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..
@KirstenReusch3 жыл бұрын
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?
@laylavladi3 жыл бұрын
That’s amazing... 😳
@DaeronK6 жыл бұрын
Cool video, wonderful instrument! Thank you Norm.
@SmurfsOMalley2 жыл бұрын
Came for Tokyo Lens, stayed for the Shamisen.
@tinathetangerine34136 жыл бұрын
Such an awesome instrument!! 😍
@nowgaku6 жыл бұрын
I learned a lot. Thank you!
@Chapsow6 жыл бұрын
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.
@EunoiaVVitch6 жыл бұрын
This is so awesome, really enjoyed this video!
@bork0992 Жыл бұрын
The showcasing of the different playing styles was really informative. Really hope the restaurant opens back up. What drew you to learning the Shamisen?
@petrosgreekgoth38586 жыл бұрын
Epic dude !!!!!! Love your vids, keep up the good work!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍
@karenreese14886 жыл бұрын
Loved the video
@eric1800es Жыл бұрын
Also, Niinuma Kenji’s song Tsugaru Koionna is a love letter to the Tsugaru region. It has a line about listening to Tsugaru Jyonkara.
@jamei6 жыл бұрын
This was so informative!
@Loivado Жыл бұрын
Even the coloring of the Bachi remembers me about the styling of plektrum for guitar or bass #bingeclub
@CoversbyPatYam Жыл бұрын
Oh, this is the shop you mentioned recently that closed down already 😔
@ValhallaWise6 жыл бұрын
Loved this vid
@giovanafrederico6 жыл бұрын
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!
@OrcaSpace3 жыл бұрын
That was awesome
@jessjackson99356 жыл бұрын
Great sound love it .
@jwoodyr16 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thanks!
@patrickstruik43186 жыл бұрын
Love it, string instrument!
@abuchaninjapan62856 жыл бұрын
Interesting stuff. Just subscribed. Nice video!
@katanankes6 жыл бұрын
Fascinating.
@MarkandMarie6 жыл бұрын
What is Shamisen? Uhm... Awesome. The Geisha style sound is probably my favorite though. Okinawan style almost reminds me of a banjo sound.
@yosi19893 жыл бұрын
'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)
@dudekmaster67596 жыл бұрын
NORM ROCKS!!! :D hahaha and that old guys not too bad himself ;)
@cutiesoupia49002 жыл бұрын
The mongols are gangsta until the samurai starts shredding.
@robertcurrie11603 жыл бұрын
When you hear it play it's the sound of Japan for me 😊
@Stoneysilence6 жыл бұрын
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?
@junwu99542 жыл бұрын
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.
@garthic6 жыл бұрын
Excellent!
@Knittedbyknadj4 жыл бұрын
I would love to have one of those kimono 👘 robes.. thanks for sharing and ur desk is awsome
@60frederick6 жыл бұрын
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!
@nicolak956 жыл бұрын
What are some good places to hear someone play if you were visiting Tokyo? :)
@SimonsLivingroom6 жыл бұрын
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😊
@zam0236 жыл бұрын
Good question! I was going the ask the same :-) Maybe Norm can take us to a concert ^_^
@TotallyMH729TsMH3 жыл бұрын
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
@baleighhaynes7931 Жыл бұрын
Avatar the last air bender is what I think of every time I hear the Shamisen
@trinity_null4 жыл бұрын
This would sound bomb as fuck with some drums and Eurasian throat singing.
@Hikaryblog6 жыл бұрын
Great!!
@hack2it4 жыл бұрын
Wow!
@purdy94314 жыл бұрын
one of the songs reminded me of Matchstick Men status quo
@SebastianPappG3 жыл бұрын
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.
@beamer-au3 жыл бұрын
I am half Japanese and I did not know of the shamisen till now. Thank-you, my mind is blown.