Journeys in Japan

Tsugaru Soul Music - Tsugaru Shamisen (4x27)

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Japan's Tsugaru Shamisen is taking off in North America and Europe today. Fans of the lute-type instrument are captivated by its dynamic sound, produced by striking thick strings with a plectrum. On Journeys in Japan, our reporter JJ, visits the heart of Japan's soul music - the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Its main city, Hirosaki, has a number of folk-music bars, called minyo izakaya, where local musicians play Tsugaru Shamisen every night. JJ catches a performance at one of the city's most popular bars. Later he sets out on a trip to the birthplace of Tsugaru Shamisen to learn about its roots. Kanagi is also home to a spiritual site lined with hundreds of jizo stone statues. Jizo is a Bodhisattva that cares for the deceased. As a music producer and performing artist, JJ is especially drawn to Tsugaru Shamisen. After meeting local players and hearing about the history of Tsugaru's mesmerizing sounds, JJ is inspired to reassess his own style of performing.