What is the Tsugaru Shamisen
World Cup?

Shamisen is a three stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument,
which are played with a plectrum. Shamisen has a distinctive playing
style that produces a short, powerful sound. The most famous shamisen is
the Tsugaru- shamisen(jamisen).

It is said that the intense playing technique of Tsugaru Shamisen comes
from an era when there were no microphones, to beat the singer’s voices
volume, as well as to satisfy the audience. The vibrant and delicate
deep tone color of Tsugaru Shamisen is a traditional art cultivated by
Tsugaru Area’s natural features and history.

The Tsugaru Shamisen World Cup is a place where players of Tsugaru
Shamisen not only from Japan, but from all over the world can compete
over their playing skills while lettings the sound of the Shamisen,
which has been passed on by its players and worshippers, ring in Tsugaru
– its birthplace. While being preserved by history and tradition, the
Tsugaru Shamisen World Cup is continuously attempting something new. The
competition is known as the gateway to success for the players, and for
its audience and Tsugaru Shamisen fans from all over the world it is a
place to come in touch with Tsugaru Shamisen.