The Shamisen performance by an actor on stage in “Oshu Adachigahara”. Nakamura Kichiemon 2nd as Sodehagi. January, 2001 at the National Theatre.
It is said to have been brought to Japan in the middle of the 16th century and has developed as a musical instrument in Kabuki and Ningyo-Joruri (puppet play). The size varies according to the models. The length is about one meter long, and three threads of different thickness are used for the string. There are many types of plectrums as well.
In Kabuki, the instrument is employed for the Geza music, as well as the songs of Nagauta, Tokiwazu, and Kiyomoto, and is also an important accompaniment to the dance. Moreover, in Gidayu-Kyogen, the instrument is used by Takemoto.
In some plays, the actors perform it on stage on their own. The video shows one of the examples: a highlight scene from “Oshu Adachigahara” in which the actor sings to his own accompaniment and to Takemoto’s Shamisen play.
