I’m returning to Japan in July, and I was wondering (and hoping) if anyone has any contact with someon who teaches Shamisen in the Higashikurume, Japan area. Higashikurume is just outside of Tokyo. I know it’s a long shot, but I would love to make arrangements to take a lesson while I’m in Japan.
If you don’t mind traveling up to Aomori I’d be happy to work with you. Obviously not on a regular basis but if you can afford at least one trip up here it’s quite worth it, especially if you get a chance to hit up Hirosaki and all the Shamisen bars like Aiya etc.
How’s Fishers btw? Must be cold as hell! I recall ChrIstmas in Indiana. Terrible. Too cold! Anyway hope you all are keeping warm!
That would be so great, but unfortunately, it would be a little far, the most I could travel is maybe a couple of hours. With it being an 8 hour trip I would have to find a place to stay, etc and I need to be back the following day as it is. I so appreciate that Kevin. Fishers is yes… cold and we are expecting a major storm this evening! Fun stuff… not.
I looked Higashikurume up on the map, and it is basically in Tokyo, maybe not officially, but in every other sense. I lived in Mitaka (maybe 4 miles south of where you’re going) for a while in the early 90s, and worked in Akasaka, right downtown, and never thought twice about the commute.
I suggest you go to Shamisen Kato (the people there are all friends of Bachido - there must be a link somewhere on this site, if not, Google it) when you get to Tokyo, and see if they can set you up with a teacher that’s relatively close to your house.
You should have no problem finding a teacher of almost any style of shamisen within an hour of where you live.
SHAMISEN KATOU? I went there recently, they’re so nice. I bought Masahiro’s book and a bachi case!
Sorry.
I guess that wasn’t really relevant. 
From Higashikurume (where I lived for over a year!) you can take the train to Ikebukuro, where there is a direct bus going to Asakusa. In Asakusa, there is a restaurant called Kikko. The owner of this restaurant is not only an incredible shamisen player, but also an incredible teacher.
I have not learned from him personally, but I still highly recommend him.
Tell him Norm from Bachido sent you.
Norm! Thank you!!! I know right where that it is… go there every year so this will be perfect!
I saw an incredible performance last night in an intimate setting by Kodai Fukui.
He plays at his restautarant in Asakusa, Tokyo, when he’s not on tour.
http://www.waentei-kikko.com/kodai_e.html
I asked about lessons and it turns out he is an active teacher and has written a book in Tsuguru Shamisen (out if print). I’d contact him if you’re near Tokyo.
The restaurant was great, btw. An 80yr old farm house that was disassembled and moved to Tokyo from Takayama 40yrs ago.
Here he is from last nights performance:
Lol ken gave the exact same advice as I did lol
Guess that means that you should definitely take that approach!
Ken check out
Hah, sorry about that, Norm - I somehow missed that you’d just suggested the same. Thanks for the clip - he is quite a player, and a very generous man as well - he gave me a few quick tips right there on the spot as well as a book as a gift to get me started.
haha Ken no worries!!
I just thought you were trying to reinforce the point haha.
Yea he’s a great guy.
On the day of the Bachido Gathering, his restaurant is actually closed and he has plans, but he is willing to adjust all of that, and come in on his day off just for us.
Wow.
Just Wow.
Awesome to hear that he gave you tips and a book!!
How long are you in Tokyo?