World Heritage GamesAnatlasofplay

Home / Crossroads and Golden Ages / Japan and Korea

Encyclopedia ID 1489

Tsugaru Shamisen

Also known as 津軽三味線

Tsugaru Shamisen: photograph by Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia
Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, source on Wikimedia Commons

Strike and pluck three strings with a large plectrum (bachi) on a drum-skinned lute, hitting accents in rapid, percussive folk phrases.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Japan.

Origins

Usually placed in the era of Crossroads and Golden Ages (about 500 to 1500), although its exact origins are uncertain, within the cultural world of Japan and Korea.

Sources

Related entries

  • Panduri

    Georgia · Musical instrumentsPlay preview · in the String Music of the World app

  • Dombra

    Kazakhstan · Musical instruments

  • Charango

    Bolivia +1 · Musical instrumentsPlay preview · in the String Music of the World app

  • Balalaika

    Russia · Musical instrumentsPlay preview · in the String Music of the World app

  • Erhu Two-String Fiddle

    China · Musical instruments

  • Buzuq Long-Neck Lute

    Lebanon +2 · Musical instrumentsPlay preview · in the String Music of the World app

More from Japan

All 55 traditions from Japan See them on the map