Learn to Play the Tsugaru Shamisen・Koto・Okinawa Sanshin

【Outline】

Try to play traditional Japanese music!

You can experience the performance of traditional Japanese musical instruments in Japan. Japanese musical instruments are all made from natural materials and the tone from the instruments is from the material itself. The performance will express the softness that comes with such natural materials. 

In addition, you can listen to live performances of professional lecturers who have many achievements, such as successful New York performances. You will receive guidance from the beginning.  Experience Japanese tradition with Japanese musical instruments.

【Highlights】

• Experience playing Japanese instruments!
• Choose from the Tsugaru shamisen、koto and the Okinawa sanshin. It is also possible to choose more than one.
• The instructor will perform.
• Beginners are welcome! 
• The instructor is a professional musician with years of experience.

【Schedule】

Arrival→Choose your instrument→Try it out→Performance from the lecturer→Lesson→End

【Details】

· Choose an Instrument

Choose the instrument you would like to play from the following three types, Tsugaru shamisen, koto and Okinawa sanshin. It is possible to choose more than one. The Tsugaru shamisen plays a tone that is reminiscent of the snowstorm in Tohoku. The koto plays a delicate beautiful tone and is relatively easy to play for beginners. In addition, the Okinawa sanshin is still popular with Japanese people and is used for J-POP. You can also experiment with the instrument that you choose. Come and discover your favorite instruments.

· Instructor's Performance

The instructor will hold a live performance. It is a rare opportunity to listen to the performance by a lecturer who has many achievements, such as winning a gold medal at a competition and performing abroad as well. Discover the unique sound and rhythm unique to traditional Japanese instruments.

· A Detailed Lesson

After listening to the lecturer's wonderful performance, you will finally start your full-scale practice. You can choose a song you want to play from various genres, such as music that is popular in Japan. The instructor will teach you how to play the instrument from the beginning so you can take the lesson at your own pace. At the end, you will have an opportunity to show your performance, so share your wonderful Japanese musical instrument experience with everyone.

【Things to note】

• Time：1 hour

• Meeting point： Shinjuku tsugaru-jamisen koto class [MAP]
  14-28 Yochōmachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to

• Access： 
  A 7-minute walk from Akebonobashi station on Toei Shinjuku Line or Wakamatsu-kawada station on Toei Oedo Line
  
  1.  Leave Akebonobashi station (S03) from A2 Exit and turn right.
  Walk along the avenue (Route 302) for  500 m on the sidewalk.
  Pass through a crossing without traffic light and you will see a 4-story apartment on your right. 
  Turn right at the end of the apartment and enter an alley.
  Passing by a white apartment on your left and enter a blind lane on your left.
  The third building on your left is the Shamisen school.
  
  2.  Leave Wakamatsu-kawada station (E03) from Kawada Exit and turn left towards the avenue.
  Turn left at the avenue and walk for 50 m.  Enter the pass diagonally forward left and go down the hill for 100 m.
  Seeing an apartment (Bridgestone company house) on your left and walk for 350 m.
  Passing through a red vending machine (Cola-cola) and turn right at the corner.
  Walk for 100 m and enter a blind lane on your right.
  The third building on your left is the Shamisen school.

• Language support：Japanese, English, Chinese（ English and Chinese when the staff is available)

• Included ： A performance by the instructor 、Tsugaru shamisen、Koto and the Okinawa sanshin experience
• Participation requirements ： 5 years and older
• Free Wi-Fi：×

【Fun Facts】

Japanese instruments have been fascinating people's hearts since ancient times with their deep tone and harmony. One of their charms is that they emphasize "noise". In Japan,  natural beauty such as wind and water is recognized in the "noise", and the tone is also intentionally incorporated with elements close to noise. By doing so, we express natural softness. Experience the world of Japanese musical instruments that is radically different from the West.

【Nearby area introduction】

You can feel history and nature at the same time in the city center at Shinjuku Gyoen. During the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Shinjuku Gyoen was built as an imperial garden. At that time, it was treated as a sacred space that only the imperial family could enter. You can appreciate various plants in the vast garden and over 1000 cherry blossom trees. Currently open to the public, we are continuing to heal people's hearts as an urban oasis where you can get a taste of both history and nature. For example, you can find valuable buildings that inherit the imperial tradition and seasonal plants. Check it out after your experience is over!

【Cancellation policy】

7 to 4 days before the tour date : 40% of the tour price 
3 to 2 days before the tour date : 60% of the tour price 
The day before the tour, On the day of the tour :100% of the tour price