Tanko Bushi originates as a work song sung by coal miners at the Miike Coal Mine, which stretched across Fukuoka prefecture and Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu.
In the early Showa period, it was a...
In this video, we have put together all the Christmas songs we have covered in past lessons. Why not start practicing now and try playing them for Christmas? Enjoy your practice!
Video featur...
2025-11-07 12:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
Thanks for practicing Gentenkaiki with us!
This video includes two full-length play-along videos—one for the main part you practiced, and one for the other part. First, make sure you can play ...
This time, we picked phrases from Minyo (folk songs) played in Honchoshi tuning for your ear training challenge!
You may be more used to Niagari, so the Tsubo positions might feel a bit diffe...
2025-10-10 12:00:05 +0000 UTC View Post
We are excited to announce that entries for ‘2025 Learn Shamisen TAIKAI’ are now open!
This is a great chance to showcase everything you have been working on.
Just like last year, submit ...
The entry period for the 2025 Shamisen competition is STARTING SOON!
This time, we have prepared 2 divisions. The performer’s choice division is beginner-friendly, so if you have been thinking...
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki.
We will go from the call-and-response section to the very end of the song.
In this part, it is not only the notes you play tha...
This video breaks down the key points of left-hand positioning in Tsugaru Shamisen. Clean finger form is essential for smooth, detailed technique. Let’s watch and follow along to see exactly what...
2025-09-05 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Ever wondered how we travel long distances with such a large instrument?
We Break it!! On Purpose!!
Today, we are talking about the multi-piece Shamisen. Some Tsugaru Shamisen can actually be...
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki.
In this video, we will focus on one of the most technically advanced phrases in the song.
You will find many detailed techniqu...
Let’s try playing Nebuta-bayashi on the Shamisen — the music performed during the Nebuta Festival. Originally played on the flute, this is the Shamisen arrangement of that melody. It i...
2025-08-01 12:00:07 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will cover the middle section, which includes a variety of techniques. There are intricate phrases using Uchi, and the section wh...
2025-07-18 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
Have you heard of the Nebuta Festival in Aomori?
Held every August, this incredible celebration fills the streets with towering illuminated floats (Nebuta), vibrant music from drums, flutes, ...
2025-07-11 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will mainly cover the phrases leading up to Tsurutere, using positions of Tsubo 3 and 4. Being aware of where Bachizuke begins wi...
2025-07-04 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will cover the very beginning of the song—from Otoawase (tuning) to the phrases on the 1st string. This is an important section...
2025-06-27 12:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey everyone!
Let’s take a moment to revisit how we care for our Shamisen after practice.
When you open your Shamisen case, is everything neatly stored?
Are Itomaki (tuning peg) pokin...
This time, we feature familiar children's songs and folk tunes from around the world!
Familiar melodies are easier to pick up by ear, so even if you have never challenged this copying by ear ...
2025-06-06 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
This video introduces Haretoke, an original piece by Ki&Ki, which we will be learning in upcoming lessons. The song can be played by simply learning two basic melodies.
It is easier to ha...
2025-05-30 12:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post
We are excited to announce that, for the first time in two years, our Online Competition is coming back!
This time, we would love to have as many of you join as possible — ...
2025-05-23 12:00:05 +0000 UTC View Post
Before officially starting lessons on Gentenkaiki, let’s begin by studying these 2 lessons. They will help you learn to play part of the piece in advance.
You might also find some helpful t...
2025-05-16 12:00:06 +0000 UTC View Post
This time, we're introducing a practice video set especially for beginners!
We understand that you might want to jump right into playing songs, but until you're fully comfortable with the Sha...
2025-05-02 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
"Hanagasa Ondo" is the song used for the parade dance at the Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri, held annually on August 5th, 6th, and 7th in Yamagata Prefecture. It has become famous nationwide as one of t...
2025-04-25 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Everyone! To practice "Sukiyaki (Ue Wo Muite Arukou)", we would like to introduce videos that will help improve your skills when practiced together!
Practicing songs that use the same sca...
2025-04-11 12:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video, we’ll be practicing the globally renowned Japanese song, "Ue Wo Muite Arukou" (“Sukiyaki”). This catchy tune is easy to play, even for beginners.
We...
Hey everyone! How is your Shamisen practice progressing?
Previously, Learn Shamisen shared recommended videos for reaching the intermediate level. Now, it’s time to take the n...
2025-03-21 12:00:07 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video, we have compiled an overview of fundamental Tsugaru Shamisen techniques introduced in Learn Shamisen, along with practice songs!
This lesson focuses on techniques fo...
Through Learn Shamisen, we introduce Minyo (Japanese folk songs), but there are many folk songs from all over the world. Folk songs are deeply rooted in their respective lands and are ofte...
2025-03-07 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
This video is a demonstration of Gentenkaiki, a piece we plan to start practicing soon.
While it is a somewhat challenging ensemble piece, begin by listening to the full performance and...
Hey everyone! How is your Shamisen practice coming along?
Previously, we shared a post with recommended songs for beginners.
This time, we’re introducing three videos perfect for those w...
In this video, let’s practice Minyo (folk song) from Akita prefecture, Donpan Bushi.
This Minyo is highly recommended for beginners. The lyrics are bright and cheerful, making it a...
2025-02-14 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post