This answered all my questions thanks
And before Kevin bursts yet another vein in his forehead about how we need to have this information better organized, I’ll remind Kyle here that there should be a Hirosaki Taikai resource page with all the information here together with clips and discussions. I think such a thing could attract even more people.
Thank God! Man! That was close!
Thanks for the save Karl! My forehead and veins are grateful!
Oh hey! Btw… That was the 100th response to this topic!
That’s right baby! 100! Read 'em and weap Haters!
(I have no idea what I’m talking about.)
Oh hey! Btw… That was the 100th response to this topic!
That’s right baby! 100! Read 'em and weap Haters!
(I have no idea what I’m talking about.)
LOL
Kyle, talking about bekkou bachi,what is the handle of the high end one made of?
The one that costs 1152
Anyone knows the Janka hardness of ebony?
I’ve been following this post for awhile, so I guess I’ll finally chime in. I went to a tournament in Osaka once (just to watch!) and it was an incredible experience. I’d love to be a part of this, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to. I am actually moving back to Japan next April for a job in Tokyo, but since I’ll only have just started, I’m not sure if I’ll have the time or the funds to make it up to Hirosaki. Lemme know when you start rehearsing, though, and maybe I’ll just rehearse with you guys in case I can go.
Heck yeah Jamie! Stay in touch!
Hey Bachido no minasan (everyone).
I realized that we keep mentioning Kita no Hibiki for the group piece but havent got a good link up here.
Partly that’s probably cause there’s a ton of different examples floating around on YT if you search .
Here is one distinct example from our street performing days
(dates back to a pre-bachido era before Kyle had whipped up the website). I think it’s a decent example and hope it helps for those of you who are thinking of joining and want to get a look at fingering positions etc.
Thank you, Kevin san! I am sure this will help a lot.
Your welcome Kyoko San. Ganbatte kudasai!
This video is really nice, I’ve seen it before. For all of you who happen to have 5 eyes, you can now learn this song even faster.
I like to practice Kita no Hibiki in between other songs. One day I will keep up with you pros, bros!
I love how you can observe each player’s different bachi technique compared to your own. Everyone is different. Masahiro’s style seems to be some kind of alternating bouncing technique that seems to be pretty energy efficient.
It alternates between bad-ass and super bad-ass.
Seriously though. He talks about being very relaxed until the last moment when he strikes tataki. And then if you watch closely when he plays normally, the bachi seems to almost be falling from his hand it is held so relaxed.
I’ve been trying to learn his style for many years now, haha. I learn something new every time I hang out with him.
Strongly agree with your observation. As I watched and enjoyed the DVD Over Drive many times, the distinctive difference was the movement of the right elbow. Professionals, Nitta father and son, Kinoshita and the actor , though he plays incredibly well, who play make it clear. Pros are so relaxed and give soft move, and non pros do stiff.
Hey gang! I’m doing a couple little shows to fundraise/subsidize my travel expenses, and I’ve been asked a lot of questions about this Taikai, and I was just wondering if anyone could help me fill in the blanks.
How old is this taikai
How did it come to be in Hirosaki
What are the prizes
How old is the concept of shamisen competitions
Are there strictly tsugaru style competitions
Is this the most famous of the shamisen competitions
Any other interesting points about the event
Thank you all! I look forward to meeting you in Japan!
Shoot, I used to know this (I’ll have to look it up, or consult mr. mcGoldrick, I’m pretty sure he’ll know .) I’m going to say ballpark since somewhere around the 1960s-1970s.
It’s in Hirosaki for many reasons but mostly fate. The whole fiasco was started by Yamada Chisato. The very first taikais were just a gathering of Shamisen players getting together in the park to play for each other (I’ve seen footage of this in a documentary). Hirosaki is symbolic of Aomori and especially Tsugaru with its cherry blossom festival each spring and Mr. Chisato had his famous Shamisen bar Yamauta there etc. etc.
Prizes are trophies, cash and a Brand new futozao Shamisen.
The concept of competition goes back pretty far. It’s the reason they say Tsugaru style is played so loud and fast sometimes. Not sure of any exact dates though etc.
Yes Hirosaki, Aomori, Kanagi, Nagoya and Osaka all hold strictly Tsugaru style competitions . Hirosaki is “Probably” the most famous.
According to Tsugaru shamisen network Japan (津軽三味線全国大会) homepage, it started in 1982 by Chisato Yamada (山田千里) …
And I have heard you usually can enjoy very beautiful cherry blossoms during the golden week in Hirosaki. In our Aichi prefecture we usually see them at the beginning of April. Cherry beauty comes roughly from south to north. Warm air brings them.
I happen to come to Kyushu Taikai of Tsugqru shamisen cite. It started in 2009 July 13.
The winner was one of our favorite Kiki, Hikari Shirafuji. Third place was the other Kiki!