Resources for Learning the History of Songs?

General
#1

Hi all,

Out of curiosity, does anyone know of any websites (in either English or Japanese) that go into details about particular Tsugaru shamisen pieces? For example, I’m starting to learn Adohadari (あどはだり), but I can’t find any information about the history behind this piece; when/where exactly did it originate, etc.

When I try searching in Japanese, all I come up with a is a restaurant named あどはだり in Hirosaki city. Looks tasty, but not quite what I need.

Also, in general, if anyone has any particular recommendations of resources for learning about the history of Tsugaru shamisen (in English and/or Japanese), would you let me know?

Thanks for your time!

Cheers,
Sarah

#2

Welcome to Bachido, Sarah. Gerald Groemer’s book on the subject is great. It has been talked about on the forum before:

You should be able to buy it in Hirosaki at Kinokunia bookstore, if you ever find yourself there (not too far from Sannohe). There’s a “Tsugaru corner” at that bookstore too, where they put anything dealing with local subjects, so you might find something there. When I go to Hirosaki I always hit the used bookstores as well, which is where I found most of my books on the subject.

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