in this video
I can’t tell if that is a Jiuta Shamisen or Tsugaru Shamisen
Anyway Hisao Suginaka is a very good Shamisen player.
by the size of the itomaki it could be jiuta as well as the sound but the style could be tsugaru. Idk lol I’m just guessing
Soubugen!!!
I believe it’s a minyo shamisen, kind of in between Jiuta and Tsugaru shamisen. 
I was gonna meet up with them for dinner or something in Sapporo, but the week was just too jam-packed. 
Where can you find a Minyo Shamisen? (Kyle A.)
I just want to meet any Tsugaru pro “in person” just to hear them play in front of me. Instead of watching video - Maybe they can show me couple things LOL
Soubugen!!!
I believe it’s a minyo shamisen, kind of in between Jiuta and Tsugaru shamisen.
I was gonna meet up with them for dinner or something in Sapporo, but the week was just too jam-packed.
Kyle, do you remember Katsura-san? The Ainu jawharp player? He is friends with the Soubugen couple and invited me out to a bar with them one night when I was in Sapporo. Really nice people! His wife, sings, dances, and plays tambura, which makes for some really cool fusion!
Also, I could be wrong, but I think he plays both minyo and futozaos. Soubugen travels quite a bit. I dont know about the states, but if you are in Europe, keep an eye out for them! I think they frequent Spain and Switzerland the most.
Of course I remember him! We’re actually Facebook friends! 
Every so often he send me updates on Soubugens happenin’s. Katsura wanted to meet when I was in Sapporo, but it was too busy.
We should all meet with them sometime! 
Yeah! They were in Spain a month or so ago.
D:! nobody told me of this mad genius who is a god of minyo shamisen! Q^Q I was all alone in my Minyo corner till now… time to stalk him on facebook…
He sounds Kind of like what Takahashi Chikuzan would have sounded like (tone-wise) if his personality was a little more hyper…either that or after consuming a bunch of energy drinks or cocaine or something .
His playing style is like the old school. I would attribute his tonal quality to both the instrument and his technique! But he Definately brings a fiery passion to his playing that is unique!
hmmm now that you mention it kevin, he plays the shamisen in a style that rings a bell o: a chinese kinda sound mixed in with the song
Sanxian / pipa sounding in a mix inside the shamisen. I truly admire it. I have never heard anything like it
Yes I agree Cana! Something very unique about his style! Being a huge fan of Chikuzan I hear all kinds of similarities in the phrasing.
I actually think Chikuzan was also influenced by Sanxian / pipa from China. I base this on the many stories of how Chikuzan had a collection of world music and expressed a particular fondness for the stringed music of Asia. Somehow I think it carries over! Holy Smokes! I think I really need to start checking out that stuff as well!
Thanks Cana!
I am wondering what my style will sound like when i’m done perfecting it. I have been experimenting with some stuff and how to incorporate it into shamisen. Also! recieve the bachido book today
I will try an not rely on it but it will be a good way to see the songs and know about each in person. I will try an keep to playing by ear for the finishing sound.
Cana,
Not to put the pressure on, or anything, but I for one would really like to hear your playing. I rememeber your early videos and your tone/intonation and feel was all really really good! Kuroishi Yosare etc.
So hey! If you get around to it please post some more videos! I totally want to support the development of this new Shamisen artist called Cana Rochbell in any way possible! I have a very strong intuition that you are already a great artist just right in the process of discovering yourself!
Sounds good Kevin, Will practice extra long today an see what I can do, about getting a video up this week or next.
I would actually like to video my progress into becoming a better shamisen player so I can one day look back an see how much I’ve improved. I can gladly say i’ve graduated from the whole moving instrument to instrument as I had done since forever. I still have all my other instruments but shamisen is really the one that calls. 2 banjos, 2 guitars, jade flute, harmonica, violin, erhu, possibly more but I cant remember the others at this moment. But those are the instruments I own, I used to barrow instruments from a schoolband when I was in bands back in school days… alto sax was my favourite but the teacher didnt like my much towards the end as I switched instruments every week pretty much haha. (not being particularly good with any of them as I kept switching…) But that all gained me knowledge on how to play each and a bit from each style.