The Buzz of Edo Lives On

Aug 1, 2025

「EP.59」東京三味線

TOKYO SHAMISEN
Tokyo

「transcript」

In the 14th century, a unique three-stringed instrument called the sanxian (三線, さんしぇん) entered Japan through the Ryukyu (琉球) Kingdom. Originally covered in snakeskin, it was later replaced on the mainland with sturdier dog or cat skin, creating the shamisen we know today.

The shamisen flourished in 17th-century Edo, with masters like Harumitsu Kanda (神田治光) refining the craft. As kabuki (歌舞伎), joruri (浄瑠璃), and folk songs grew in popularity, the shamisen became the heartbeat of Japan’s performing arts.

A key step is kawa-bari (皮張り), the leather-stretching process. Unlike a guitar, the shamisen body functions like a drum. Stretched skin produces a subtle buzzing overtone, known as the sawari (さわり) mechanism. To achieve this, the leather is softened, adhered with rice glue, then pulled with ropes and wedges until perfectly tensioned. One mistake in this process can ruin the skin or sound.

The shamisen’s tone also rely heavily on materials. The most coveted wood is kouki, imported from India, whose density produces a rich resonance but requires great skill to shape.

Today, high-grade shamisen still use dog or cat skin, though craftsmen are experimenting with kangaroo skin to meet modern needs.

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