Just moved to Japan, looking for a Shamisen

General
#1

I just moved to Fukuoka, Japan from New York state as part of a foreign exchange program with my college. My new school in Japan has a group that does traditional Japanese dances, but they use prerecorded music for their performances. I spoke to their instructor and mentioned that I know how to play the shamisen (my two Okinawan shansin were left back in the US) and she told me that she not only wants to hear me play, but she would love to have me play live for her dance group if I’m any good (no pressure at all here).

Does anyone have any ideas where I can find a good and semi-affordable shamisen in Fukuoka, Japan or would I be better off just getting the beginner shamisen from the online store here on Bachido?

#2

Hullo, Kenneth.

It’s really hard to beat the beginner shamisen from a price perspective, unless you’re buying something used or are vehemently against a hosozao.

Google up 和楽器屋 and see what turns up nearby. Even if their new instruments are too expensive, they may be able to direct you to something used.

Failing that, Yahoo Auctions can be great! But you will almost certainly need to get the skin replaced (or will be paying out the nose). Skin replacement for both sides of the instrument in Japan starts around 15000 yen (in my area, at least) and goes up from there. Some stores offer discounts if you sign up for lessons.

Hope this helps.

#3

日本へようこそ！

I live in Mie, just got my first shamisen this month. If you’re REALLY lucky, you can find a Shamisen at a recycle store. After checking every one within a 20km radius, I found 1 nagauta shamisen for 40,000 yen. However, I had my heart set on a tsugaru shamisen. In the end I used Yahoo Auctions, found a lightly used shamisen that I snagged for 30,000.

This is the Shamisen I got, obviously a beginner’s but can’t beat the price.

If you don’t mind me asking, what school are you at? I did my own study abroad in Fukuoka at Seinan Gakuin.

#4

Yahoo Japan auctions have some great deals, if you don’t mind waiting and watching them regularly for a few weeks. Also, if there is one in your area, some Jeugia stores have a used instrument department in them, and I have seen Tsugaru and other shamisen in them from time to time. But it’s kind of hit or miss.

© 2020 Kyle Abbott