Mahalo to Katoh san of Shamisen Katoh for sending a lovely calender! With more Bachido events and shenanigans happening this year, this is perfect for keeping everything scheduled!
If any shamisen enthusiasts are in the Tokyo area, I highly encourage you to go to his shop. He is very supportive of foreigners (and anyone) interested in shamisen, and it is always a lot of fun to see his shop,
(http://www.shamisen-katoh.com/shop/)
And he’s really good about dealing with people overseas, too. I’ve had skins done by him by sending him the dou in a box - he’s amazingly easy to deal with from postage to payment. Not to get all advertorial about it, but it makes a huge difference having support from a guy like him when you’re in Australia.
Nice! I hear you. Katoh san is such a supportive and generous person. He goes to great efforts to keep shamisen accessible and inviting, and has certainly supported me in learning how to build them. I have much gratitude to him.
Truly, anyone traveling to Tokyo should visit his shop! 