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

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!