shamisen
Musician Norm Nakamura’s movie-like story is a real-life example of how far you can go if you really chase your dreams.
With its original design of a red-clad female ninja, this shamisen is set to become the collector’s item of the year.
The classic theme song comes to life in a brand-new way that evokes a different style of “miracle romance.”
They’d never met before, but when they rocked out together they made some incredible music.
Famous anime spirit seems to have gotten even better in the year since his skills were last recorded on video.
Synchronized blinking drones, Mt. Fuji, and tsugaru-jamisen make for one of the most gorgeous videos we’ve ever seen!
From “Shake it off” to “Smooth Criminal”, these Japanese cover songs will definitely have you tapping your toes!
It should be no secret that we at RocketNews24 love traditional Japanese music. Whether its Ki&Ki with their tsugaru-jamisen songs or the Wagakki Band with their fusion of vocaloid-inspired rock and traditional instruments, we simply adore the sound. Of course, we’re also fans of Nintendo’s old video games–which is what makes Famikoto one of our favorite discoveries this season!
Check out this group’s music and get ready to take a walk down memory lane with some of Nintendo’s best theme songs!
When it comes to Japanese music, one of the most iconic sounds is that of the tsugaru-jamisen. We’ve written about musicians playing the folk instrument before, but today we have a group with a traditional, but decidedly unique, approach: the three-man group Monsters of Shamisen.
From heavy metal to traditional Japanese music and throat singing, there’s sure to be something here for everyone!
While vocaloids like Hatsune Miku are still relatively unknown in the West, they have quite the following in Japan and can be found taking part in everything from live concerts to limited edition smartphones. Though some may worry that the digital singers mean the end of “human” music, so far that’s hardly been the case. In fact, it’s nothing strange to find regular bands performing cover songs of vocaloid originals!
One band has taken the concept a step further by introducing some unique, traditional elements and are garnering quite a bit of attention among Japanese Internet users. Meet the Wagakki Band with Yuko Suzuhana and get ready to rock!
The world of traditional Japanese music is incredibly varied–there’s exciting min’you folk music, austere gagaku ancient imperial court music, and the ethereal tunes of Noh plays. But one genre in particular stands out among the all others: tsugaru-jamisen.
A fast, lively style of playing born out of min’you as performed by traveling entertainers, tsugaru-jamisen hails from Aomori Prefecture and is the youngest genre of “traditional” Japanese music. And, from Hiromitsu Agatsuma and the late Takahashi Chikuzan to the Yoshida Brothers and Kevin Kmetz, there is no shortage of talented, inspiring performers in the tsugaru-jamisen world.
But for us, one duo in particular stands out: Ki&Ki.
Even if you don’t recognize the name, you may already be familiar with these two incredibly talented young women thanks to their numerous YouTube videos. Recently we got the chance to sit down with the pair to learn a little bit about their history with tsugaru-jamisen.
MOST POPULAR
Now
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Continuing our tour of the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market with Mr. Sato! (Part 2)
Japanese beauty trends of the 20th & 21st centuries, and predicting future fashions
Do Japanese people hate Americans? Hiroshima teen has touching answer on atomic bomb anniversary
7 Japanese daily planners to suit every lifestyle, from hostess to otaku!
Weekly
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
- Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area- Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Continuing our tour of the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market with Mr. Sato! (Part 2)
Japanese beauty trends of the 20th & 21st centuries, and predicting future fashions
Do Japanese people hate Americans? Hiroshima teen has touching answer on atomic bomb anniversary
7 Japanese daily planners to suit every lifestyle, from hostess to otaku!
Hamburg and Hamburg Shibuya: A Japanese restaurant you need to put on your Tokyo itinerary
What would convince Japanese people to live in a home where there’d been a death or “accident?”
New world’s biggest Muji just opened in Japan, and we paid it a visit【Photos】
-
