Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The shamisen is the quintessential traditional Japanese instrument.

Of course, it’s used to perform classic pieces, but it’s also a highly versatile instrument that shines in solo performances of intense songs and in collaborations with rock bands—traditional yet packed with showmanship.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs that feature the shamisen.

We’ve included everything from older works to the latest tracks!

If you’re thinking about starting the shamisen, you might find this helpful—so be sure to read to the end!

[The Spirit of Japan] Shamisen Masterpieces and Popular Songs (21–30)

Jonkara ShinsetsuTakahashi Chikuzan

Shamisen Jonkara New Style / Takahashi Chikuzan I

Jonkara Shinsetsu Takahashi Chikuzan

Takahashi Chikuzan is a legendary figure in the shamisen world who popularized the Tsugaru shamisen nationwide through his energetic postwar live performances and record releases.

Here he performs Tsugaru Jongara Bushi— the most famous piece in the Tsugaru shamisen repertoire and one of the Five Great Tsugaru Folk Songs that have been carefully passed down.

Don’t miss this dynamic work that leaves everyone in awe.

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Tsugaru Ohara BushiShinichi Kinoshita

Tsugaru Ohara-bushi Instrumental Performance / Shinichi Kinoshita – 2015 Tsugaru Shamisen World Championship Tsugaru Shamisen SHINICHI KINOSHITA

Tsugaru Oharabushi Kinoshita Shinichi

Mr.

Shinichi Kinoshita is a shamisen master renowned not only for his overwhelming skill but also for his courtesy and warm fan service.

While pioneering contemporary performances through collaborations with violin and jazz, he also places great value on the Tsugaru shamisen as a traditional folk art.

“Tsugaru Oharabushi” is an extremely challenging piece in which intensity and lightness intertwine, and it is one of the five great folk songs of Tsugaru.

It is performed with Mr.

Kinoshita’s unwavering virtuosity and exceptional stability.

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[The Spirit of Japan] Shamisen Masterpieces and Popular Songs (31–40)

Nagauta: Echigo LionAt a ryotei in Kagurazaka

Song and shamisen: Echigo Lion

Naga-uta: Echigo Lion Dance at a Ryotei in Kagurazaka

This is a nagauta piece based on Kakubei Shishi, a traditional performing art from Minami Ward, Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture.

It is valued as a bearer of traditional culture, appearing as a Japanese dance number and even inspiring popular songs.

Centered on showcasing the sound of the shamisen, the piece is noted for its advanced shamisen techniques.

It is sometimes performed with hayashi accompaniment such as drums and flutes, but even in the basic nagauta format of just vocal and shamisen, it fully conveys its atmosphere as a work of traditional music.

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In conclusion

Have you gotten a taste of the shamisen’s charm? We’ve included pieces ranging from very old traditional tunes to what you could call J-pop hit songs.

You could say it’s a playlist only the shamisen can offer.

I’ll keep adding more tracks, so please drop by again!