2026/6/22

On Thursday, June 18, the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Japanese Studies Center for International Students held the Tsugaru-Shamisen Performance Cultural Appreciation Event in the Morita Memorial Hall.

Every academic term, the Center hosts a Cultural Appreciation Event to give international students an opportunity to experience various aspects of Japanese culture. This term's event featured a musical performance by brothers Masayuki and Tetsuya Okano on Tsugaru-Shamisen, a type of shamisen (three-stringed traditional musical instrument) originating from the Tsugaru region in Aomori Prefecture.

Before starting their performance, the two visitors talked about the history of the shamisen, their personal reasons for taking up the instrument, and their activities as musicians. Students listened with undivided attention as they learned about traditional Japanese music culture.

The performance included a wide range of songs, from traditional shamisen tunes to contemporary music arrangements. The performers also treated the audience to renditions of theme songs from the TV drama Jonetsu Tairiku and the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as covers of other songs familiar to students, which were met with great excitement and applause.

The Okanos made time for a Q&A session following the show, during which students enthusiastically posed questions about the shamisen and the performance activities of the two musicians. In response to the question, "Why do you look at each other during performances?," one musician answered, "We have to synchronize our playing closely, which we do through eye contact and watching the movements of the other's plectrum [pick used for plucking strings]." In this way, they provided fascinating insights into the instrument for students to enjoy.

The event proved to be an invaluable opportunity for international students to see, hear and enjoy Japanese culture.

For photos from the event, follow the Instagram link below:
kufs_ryugakusei.bekka

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