Inside a Real Japanese Shamisen Shop
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3 жыл бұрынToday we are taking a look inside a real Japanese Shamisen shop, from Tsugaru Shamisen, to the Japanese Kokyu and so many more original products, we get to explore this shop before it even opens today! A real life peek into the world behind shows like Mashiro no oto (those snow white notes) Want to Learn Shamisen? Shamisen Lessons: bit.ly/LearnShamisen
Recommended Beginners Shamisen (Set) from Rakuya: bit.ly/KikiShamisenSet
Playlist of (Tsugaru) Shamisen Content
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Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
1-10-5 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Kokugikan Front Bldg 2F
130-0015
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@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
It has been all too long since I have had the chance to put out some Shamisen content!! So happy we could get this experience! *Question: what was the first Shamisen video you saw from Tokyo Lens? leave a comment below!* And for all of you who have been asking about how to learn, or where to get cheap shamisen, its all in the description box! and lessons... are right here: bit.ly/LearnShamisen
@JoeSchmmo 3 жыл бұрын
One the videos you did with Kiki if I can recall correctly
@KishyKuro 3 жыл бұрын
It was oke of the shamisen and cherry blossom videos
@Jug_or_not 3 жыл бұрын
The first one was "Japanese Craftsman Built Me A Shamisen | My Japan Journey" actually also one of the first videos I saw from your channel in general
@alphamike87 3 жыл бұрын
The first I watched was “Japanese Shamisen Girls-KiKi”, from three years ago
@sanashi27 3 жыл бұрын
The one where the girls played in the tunnel with the really long staircase.
@thecolortwelve3784 3 жыл бұрын
I don't think I've ever really heard a Kokyu before. That was beautiful.
@athulbalaji5711 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely 💯😍
@fallzero7304 3 жыл бұрын
You probably might've If you watch animes Countless use this as a sound effect either in OP/ED songs or maybe even incorporate with OST or just delibrately with the instrument portrayed as well
@FearAbsence 3 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of the chinese Erhu
@Cheirador123 3 жыл бұрын
Bisky!!!!
@hyb1368 3 жыл бұрын
Same. I love Shamisen and Kokyu music. I want to play them both.
@lopezmeli023 3 жыл бұрын
Anyone else seen the anime “those Snow White notes”? It’s all about the shamisen. Love it!
@xXDESTINYMBXx 3 жыл бұрын
Same here
@NerdyLaundry 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely LOVED it. The soundtrack was so good.
@bandiceet 3 жыл бұрын
As much as I enjoyed the musical component of the series, I found the basic plot of a bit meh and run of the mill.
@waltersumofan 3 жыл бұрын
Gave it a shot, ended up watching all 12 episodes. It was good, had many emotional hits there. However it's not very original, many identical plots and designs to 2019's Kono oto Tomare! in many ways. Right down to the passed away grandfather, music visual expression, and music competition. It's like a pitch meeting, "Kono oto Tomare, but with shamisens instead of kotos!" I really think that happened. Also some of the voice actors I recognize from Haikyuu. Maybe I couldn't get into it due to so many similarities. While the opening few episodes are very emotional overall I will miss Kono oto Tomare more as I think it was more sincere and the original. Unfortunately they made the protagonist really hard to like and not making any sense when he already should have learned things. Also the name Sawamura has got to have been used so many times in anime I wonder if it's a marker of a lame character or bad ending? Ace of Diamond anyone? Why? Anyway I do thank you for the recommendation and would score it at around a 7/10. Cheers
@yodawg2685 3 жыл бұрын
@@waltersumofan The Manga of Mashiro no Oto started from 2009, while Kono Oto Tomare started from 2012
@Jug_or_not 3 жыл бұрын
Always nice to get Shamisen-related videos from you. You can really see how passionate you are about them!
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
so many more to come!
@emmablack_kuro 3 жыл бұрын
Such an peaceful yet haunting atmosphere listening to her wonderful performance while there’s rain with thunder and lightning happening outside my apartment right now
@brianriebeek9285 3 жыл бұрын
Always lovely to see people so passionate about their hobbies with so much energy, even that early in the morning.
@Sock-Puppet 3 жыл бұрын
I've probably heard a Kokyu played a million times before, never knew what the instrument was or how it was made. That was honestly amazing.
@SamChaneyProductions 3 жыл бұрын
Kokyu also sounds a lot like the Chinese erhu so you might be thinking of that one
@NaeniaNightingale 7 ай бұрын
@@SamChaneyProductions Probably not if they have heard it from anime, which I also have so it most probably was a Kokyu. Because why use another country’s instrument when they have their own?
@Youngpoet15 3 жыл бұрын
This shop is great! My husband is really interested in the electric shabo. Definitely keep us up to date when the English directions are ready. We can’t wait to purchase one :)
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
will do!! the shamisen lessons that KIKI are doing still have early bird pricing! (cuz messing up the care alone can destroy the shamisen) cheers eh!
@cheriestolze Жыл бұрын
I Hope you got one.
@stephenfreeman8617 3 жыл бұрын
What can I say …thank you for sharing norm and your talented guests!!! The lady at the end and how she played was quite emotional as it sums up everything I love about Japan and it’s culture. We’ve cancelled twice and probably will be cancelling September to see our 2 sons who live there. Thanks again for sharing.👍👍
@alphamike87 3 жыл бұрын
I’d love to go to this shop and I definitely want to learn to play Shamisen
@bleedingwell6403 3 жыл бұрын
The sound of the Kokyu honestly gave me chills it was so beautiful.
@sarahramos2919 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and haunting sound! It is like taking a walk through a forest as the sun begins to break through the fog. It is the sound of Japan that I have always known and never heard before. Japan is just like that.
@aspherr_ 3 жыл бұрын
I've been curious about the Shamisen for a while. The music it produces is so cool so I'm defo gonna try and learn it once I get to Japan 😃
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
always happy to hear when people are into the shamisen!!
@Shanyandao 3 жыл бұрын
It’s been a while since the last shamisen-related video, so i was really happy when i saw this in my notifications! The owner seemed so nice and i love the sound of the kokyu! Havent heard of that instrument before :0
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
honestly such a beautiful instrument! Thank you for joining!
@narayanagaula 2 жыл бұрын
Different style of music, but if you're interested in kokyu you can search "jiuta Yachiyo Jishi" here on KZfaq for a lovely example of Kokyuu accompaniment. Incidentally, the shakuhachi seems to be the main reason kokyu is so rarely heard these days, a pity.
@balalaikabeginner 3 жыл бұрын
The kokyu is such a beautiful, underrated instrument! Great video as usual!
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@indysaur 3 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh, the Kokyu was beautiful.
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
gotta send you a bit thank you message soon~ welcome to the "P" side of the adventure!!
@indysaur 3 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLens Glad to be here ^.^
@sweetarchangel6748 3 жыл бұрын
Oh wow, the kokyu sounded like very slow celtic music. That tune she played was so pretty. Tbh, as much as I enjoy all the documentaries you've been giving us, I have missed the shamisen related content too ♥
@renzosanantonio5952 3 жыл бұрын
Kokyu’s sound was absolutely breathtaking. I didn’t know that it is the sound of Kokyu until I watched this video. I wish I could visit Japan someday ☹️❤️
@ET_Videos 2 жыл бұрын
The playing style of the Kokyu is very interesting. Pretty sure that's the first time I have seen it being played, and I lived in Japan for more than 10 years!
@FearAbsence 3 жыл бұрын
When i saw the "electric"-shamisen my first thought was that you could really make some cool sounds by plugging it through some effect-pedals.
@AmeliaAbroad 2 жыл бұрын
Wow the kokyu really is a beautiful instrument! It seems like it conveys so much emotion in such a little body
@chrispersad8388 3 жыл бұрын
My dog absolutely loves the sound of kokyu. She gets hypnotized. Cool sounding instrument. Surprisingly simple yet versatile
@Kaitlynde 3 жыл бұрын
Wow, the kokyu has such an amazing sound. I had no idea that some of the different notes are made from actually turning the instrument itself rather than only manipulating the bow like you'd see with a cello. Also really amazing that the cardboard shabo was created to help people learn shamisen basics without the major investment and care requirements that a regular wooden shamisen would involve. Thanks for sharing this one! Always happy to learn more about these amazing instruments!
@marcusa3177 3 жыл бұрын
Whaddup notification squad! I love it when a person gather the courage to innovate and challenge tradition without coming across as disrespectful of the art. Especially moreso since this is by a Japanese, a country and culture where non-conformity is frowned upon. Now I want to hear how a kokyu ensemble will perform/would sound alongside a taiko group to tell a story with a fusion dance group. Yes I miss watching live performances hahahaha
@TanukiSC 3 жыл бұрын
Possibly my favorite video you’ve done. You truly were like a kid in a candy store and your love for the instrument and respect for the craft really shone through. I’ll never get tired of your videos on the shamisen. Great stuff!
@darriendastar3941 3 жыл бұрын
I applauded at the end of that. It was completely beautiful.
@chelffie3867 3 жыл бұрын
Oooh yay! It's been a while since we've had Shamisen content like this. I've actually been fascinated by Shamisen for a while so this is very cool
@Goddess050991 3 жыл бұрын
So glad to see you doing another shamisen video. You look so happy. You have made me appreciate the shamisen so much more over the years.
@maryambaharudin9783 3 жыл бұрын
The kokyu playing at the end gives me an image of misty mountains, it's so beautiful. Thank you for introducing us to such a wonderful instrument!
@NerdyLaundry 3 жыл бұрын
Wow what an unbelievably cool video! Thank you so much for this video Norm! The sound of the Kokyu is so beautiful. I can't wait to see the work that the two of you do in the future.
@saylork8547 3 жыл бұрын
Getting to music shops right when they open and no one is there yet is the best! Thank you for the tour! And I really enjoyed the kokyo playing! 👏👏
@KirstenReusch 3 жыл бұрын
Absolute goosebumps from the Kokyu piece. Beautiful. Thank you for this peek.
@DukeofGrease 3 жыл бұрын
That Kokyu performance at the end was beautiful! I love when you share these kinds of stories Norm. I would have never known of this instrument and its wonderful sound without you sharing. Keep it up bud!
@lepetitlamadelastreet_2413 3 жыл бұрын
So beautiful !!! Thank you for this moment !🙏
@grinningidiot 2 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy these videos where you go to these amazing shops where they hand craft such wonderful things as these shamisen. I feel like it also really brings a great spotlight to these fantastic craftsmen.
@chelffie3867 3 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh that ending! I had literal chills. So so beautiful
@dannivizion 3 жыл бұрын
From a cardboard box is kind of genius. I don't know anything about these instruments, but the tune at the end sounded really pretty to me.
@elflass5544 3 жыл бұрын
Norm! What a beautiful video! Everything from the different types of shamisen, to the introduction of the kokyu, and the warm and wonderful staff of the shamisen shop. And of course, you always point out details like the bachi on the outside of the building. Glad to learn more about shamisen (such as the sawari buzz), but hearing that heartrending kokyu music was just amazing. Thank you, thank you.
@dpi209 3 жыл бұрын
That is so awesome, and a very important part in keeping the cultural heritage interesting and accessible to the younger generations! The dedication really shows :)
@coffeedreams40 3 жыл бұрын
I've no musical knowledge or talent whatsoever, but even I can appreciate how beautiful the sounds of the shamisen and the kokyu are, and how calming and therapeutic this lovely shop tour is. And an amazing rendition by the lady with the kokyu, This is so beautiful!! such a treasure trove in Toyama - must visit on the Japan trip!
@auberginearcher7610 3 жыл бұрын
I loved Mashiro no oto! I’d literally sat on the edge of my seat like a giddy child while I watched it! I have a lot of shamisen music in my playlist and not many of my friends/colleagues like it, but there’s something about it that my heart and soul adore! 💜 Thank you for this wonderful peek inside the shop, Norm! ☺️🎉
@cheriestolze Жыл бұрын
The excitement even early in the morning is encouraging for me today. Thank you for introducing us to an inventor!
@seath46 3 жыл бұрын
That song played with the Kokyu at the end was really beautiful. Thanks for uploading Norm!
@michaelcherry8952 3 жыл бұрын
13:09 Beautiful! Just, beautiful. I'm really impressed with this shop. The shado with the built-in mike is a cool idea. Thank you for this (as always!)
@addaiiablues 3 жыл бұрын
This was a really heartwarming video Norm, beautyfull! Take care!
@ItsaMeSandy 3 жыл бұрын
Wow, it's amazing how such a similar looking instrument can sound so different. Kokyu's sound is very full, soft and intense at the same time. Really beautiful.
@Ozai75 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely lovely shop and people. Amazing to see the ability to create something not just affordable, but beautiful in both form and function. I could feel your excitement through the screen, Norm. Well done.
@stinky_lizard 3 жыл бұрын
I have one of their wooden body shabo's and I've been slamming away on it for over 4 years, I seriously love the thing
@rustyknight6190 2 жыл бұрын
Just like, WOW, that was completely awesome and amazing. So awesome to see people trying to make ways to reduce the entry point for people to get involved in ANYTHING, but this was truely amazing. So much passion (all of you)
@erinbanana22 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! I love the sound of both, and know I've heard a kokyu before! It's so distinct sounding there's no mistake 🥰🥰🥰💗 beautiful! I love that they made their own versions to make taking lessons less expensive too that's so beautiful of them to share their love for music in that way
@nicolewilson4058 3 жыл бұрын
I love this video!. I really enjoy the sound of the shamisen. It is such a great instrument that makes so many different beautiful sounds.
@Strider_Shinryu 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the intro to the kokyu. I had heard it before but had no idea what exactly it was or even what it looked like
@With_Me_JAPAN 3 жыл бұрын
My memory in Kyoto is back thanks to you! I was staying at a Japanese inn and luckily there was a special shamisen performance at that night and it was so beautiful..😍Although shamisen is Japanese traditional musical instrument, I hardly ever have chance to see the performance! Hope your video inspires foreign people to get to know more about it!💕
@Hilde_von_Derp 3 жыл бұрын
That's really brilliant innovation. Getting reasonably priced but well crafted instruments into the hands of students and amateurs is a fantastic mission. The love and craftsmanship is beautiful to see. Thank you to the shop owner for his time.
@greggorydavis3993 Жыл бұрын
What a cool video! The Kokyu is now the second amazing instrument that I've had the pleasure of discovering thanks to you. Thanks Norm!
@zepeling5955 Жыл бұрын
watched another of your shamisen videos and now it has me so intrigued
@iqbalchuvan4890 3 жыл бұрын
That little shoutout for the anime Mashiro no Oto on the description box 👀👌 I watched the first episode today and immediately recognized the Tsugaru Jongara Bushi song being played from watching your videos, how cool is that!!!
@marsan7917 3 жыл бұрын
That was amazing . Thanks for introducing us to Kokyu The sounds are so deep and haunting..
@stephielulu9096 3 жыл бұрын
As a Japan lover and musician, I loved this!
@yossisureta2578 3 жыл бұрын
Love watching your Shamisen content! Misato’s Kokyu sounded so beautiful as well. For me, the first video shamisen video of Tokyo Lens was the one you played in your room!
@WineZ22 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing about shamisen. Also thanks for having all the information in the description.
@Tragedyking 2 жыл бұрын
the kokyu gave me chills. thats so lovely.
@Sever-Eleven 3 жыл бұрын
This is so great to always see the new "things" and persons that you show us Norm! This is amazing!
@zenbugami Жыл бұрын
Amazing shop! Even if you're not interested into learning shamisen, it's worth going there for the pure experience, that this place has to offer! And this music at the end is so amazing :o
@Rodolfobia 3 жыл бұрын
this felt like a real close look into the artisan's workshop and it was very unique and warm. great video, thanks for sharing
@KillerTacos54 3 жыл бұрын
Great video!! I love watching your shamisen videos! It’s such a beautiful looking and sounding instrument
@burberry0626 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for putting out such amazing content!
@staceydarling3004 3 жыл бұрын
That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us 🥰
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for coming along!
@floccinaucci 3 жыл бұрын
Finally back from work, time to enjoy.
@InsTAus793 2 жыл бұрын
The bowed Kokyu was really beautiful to listen to, and as a violinist I'd actually be interested in learning how to play it
@MeowjinBoo 3 жыл бұрын
This was great. Thanks for sharing man!
@brayleighhope4246 Жыл бұрын
Oooh my, the kokyu sounds mesmerising 😮😊 thank you so much!
@Bruuhhhhhh 3 жыл бұрын
Never heard a Kokyu before... Damn.. it got me in trance for a moment. Glad you covered it and decided to put the unedited playing at the end.. it was beautiful.
@justinjeffries1554 3 жыл бұрын
Always here for your Shamisen content. Love it :)
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@Stormcrow89 10 ай бұрын
Words can’t describe the blissful emotions the music of the Kokyu elicited within me…it felt so different yet familiar. Such a lovely shop and even lovelier people!
@Disig 3 жыл бұрын
Oh wow, the Kokyu is so cool! This was my first time hearing one. it's beautiful!
@Gantorin 3 жыл бұрын
That was VERY interesting. The sound of the kokyu was beautiful.
@gina2764 3 жыл бұрын
The sound of the electric one was unexpectedly cool! I really liked it. Also my first time hearing a Kokyu. Misato's play was amazing. The (affordable) version Mr Hamatani created sounded beautiful too. He seems so passionate about creating these instruments and giving everyone the chance to learn it.
@RealPragueGuides 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. Beautiful video!
@lauraboanas7817 3 жыл бұрын
Ooooh I’m super excited to watch this when I get home! 💖
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
super love that you would come in to drop a comment!
@lauraboanas7817 3 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLens I can’t miss the initial drop! Gotta share the love!
@lauraboanas7817 3 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLens just watched!! Holy cow, they’re all stunning, what wonderful instruments and that kokyu performance was … 😘👌🏻 so captivating, hauntingly beautiful even.
@mariarea4851 3 жыл бұрын
Great shop tour !!! 👍
@raquelhoffmann4 3 жыл бұрын
I get so happy with the shamisen videos because we can feel your excitement! it's very inspiring! :))) (also, spent all week obsessed with the shamisen playlist i asked you on twitter, so it's a very nice timing!)
@DerekHasSeaLegs 3 жыл бұрын
The music is beautiful. Thank you!
@lordy7227 3 жыл бұрын
Moooooooooore! Love the beautiful sound of the Kokyu.
@FailureManagement 2 жыл бұрын
Oh I got chills after listing to that ! It's too good😍
@morgoth4932 3 жыл бұрын
Been watching this channel for quite some time and it's definitely underrated...
@WuiToi 3 жыл бұрын
That was interesting and to the end: absolutely beautiful! Thank You for sharing Misato-san playing
@thempstead 3 жыл бұрын
You can tell that a video is going to be good when it starts in some backstreets ... And this doesn't disappoint It was interesting seeing the varients that had been created and I didn't know that they had that optional little thing to creat the buzz on the one string built in in some cases. The bowed instrument was interesting and produced beautiful music. Although what were those things on the wall to the right off her (as we see it) ? Unfortunately I don't have the co-ordination to be able to play that sort of instrument 😂
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
on the wall on the right side are just whiteboard markers (and a little shamisen magnet!)
@thempstead 3 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLens ah it was the magnet that was throwing me
@kingrocklee Жыл бұрын
When I first watched this it got me checking out some shamisen videos on youtube. Thanks for the random trip down the youtube rabbit hole.
@michaelgroob3760 Жыл бұрын
It really takes me in, such a time honored and valued tradition craftsman shop. Everything is revered for its beauty, elegance and purpose.
@1Raphael 3 жыл бұрын
Her playing was Amazing. Thank you for sharing.
@KissMyWolf Жыл бұрын
Such a beautiful sound!
@sanashi27 3 жыл бұрын
That shop looks nice and the people there are also kind. Music sounds nice, too.
@gentlydirking4912 3 жыл бұрын
mesmerising ending x.x snow white notes made me want to learn shamisen, and now that ending performance did the same for the kokyu
@Kyunnie711 3 жыл бұрын
perfect timing omg
@TokyoLens 3 жыл бұрын
yay!
@denuca10 3 жыл бұрын
Man, that was beautiful, thank you again Norm !
@MaShcode 3 жыл бұрын
His tee shirt read Shamity? Such humility or shamility on display. Love the cardboard version.
@femaletrouble 3 жыл бұрын
It says Shamily (shamisen + family).
@MrUniverseTurtle 3 жыл бұрын
Such beautiful music, I love it
@carolinedaviault9931 3 жыл бұрын
Really like your New look! 😁 and its Nice to see how much you like this instrument!!!
@AlcvinRyuzenRamos 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Norm! That was awesome! So cool to see and hear the Kokyu as well - and to hear Kokiriko Bushi played on it in the place of its origin, Toyama!!! Soooo cool!!!! I'm definitely visiting there next time I visit Japan!