Okay so I remember watching Naruto (way… back then) and I saw a video where a band plays a song called “The Raising Fighting Spirit”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK6Dgspnc3Y (it basically a song from the Anime, but I was more focused on the Shamisen Player)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNjtroPFQ1s (this is how the song actually sounds like)
So yeah. . . I really wish I had good ears to copy the songs especially “Turn Over” from (Naruto OST) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kQWQiMypjc (listen to it!) it has a fast part and a interesting solo. I wonder if anybody could play “Turn Over” and could make a music note sheet LOL
There is also some good Shamisen in the 2nd series - Naruto Shippuuden such as the beginning of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REa5gxSG7Mw
Dude! Naruto is what got me into the shamisen! I kid you not. My sons watch it and I was listening to the soundtrack and thought, “what IS that stringed…thing? Sounds cool.” So I looked it up. Once I saw one in action I had to have one. I had been looking for an alternative to the guitar anyway, (which I’ve been playing for a long time) and this instrument was perfect. All thanks to freakin’ Naruto!
Yep had the same thing as Chet though i was bit younger and i was the kid watching Naruto and thinking what is that epicness? 
and so it began