大阪三味線 Osaka-Shamisen Shamisen
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The shamisen came to Osaka district from the Ryukyu Islands in 1562. Originally the snake-skin was used to cover the part called do (the body). After arriving in Osaka various remodeling was made in its shape, size, and bachi (a large pick). The covering material was also changed to dog or cat skin. Over the course of time many more improvements and contrivances are made to fit the Japanese genres of music. In the Edo period the shamisen was introduced to Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) and began to be used all over the nation by the middle of the Edo period. Since Osaka was a town full of theatrical arts, the shamisen became a popular instrument for theatrical performances including Kabuki, and wealthy merchants’ wives and daughters also began to learn the shamisen. The wooden materials used for the shamisen are rosewood, Chinese quince or redsander. In Osaka each process of the making is still done by hand. Here the cultural climate and people’s lives have fostered the tradition and it has been handed down for 400 years.
- address
- Takahashigakki 7-8-26 Hannan-cho, Abeno Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 545-0021
- name
- Kansai-Sangen-Seizou-Muikakai
- phone
- 06-6691-3716
- hp
- http://http://www.kcc.zaq.ne.jp/shamisen/