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Three heartwarming masterpieces to play on the sanshin

Dec 19, 2024

What shall we play on the sanshin?


The sanshin has its roots in traditional music such as Okinawan folk songs, but in recent years it has been used in all genres.
However, if you are going to play an Okinawan instrument, you will feel more comfortable playing music that has its roots in Okinawa.
In this column, we will take a deeper look at playing famous songs with Okinawan roots on the sanshin.



Shima Uta."


Shima Uta," which evokes the beautiful nature and culture of Okinawa, evokes even deeper emotions when played on the sanshin.
Their melodies connect the hearts of people who are nostalgic for their faraway homelands and let the listeners feel the Okinawan wind.
In fact, "Shima Uta" was a hit in its original language (Japanese) in Argentina, the other side of the world, so it is no exaggeration to say that the spirituality of the song is universal.



NADA SOU SOU"


This song, loved by many, conveys the strength to look forward to life, even while thinking of loved ones lost. The soft tones of the sanshin (three-stringed instrument) allow the sadness and hope of the song to permeate the heart.
The beauty of the melody and the harmony of words and sounds make this song an excellent piece of music.



Voice of the Sea


The rhythm and melody of "Umi no Koe," which is characterized by its oceanic feel, is enhanced by playing it on the sanshin (three-stringed instrument). It will bring to mind the blue ocean and white sandy beaches of Okinawa, and will bring a sense of peace and serenity.
Even though it is a commercial pop song that was originally a commercial song and the production was heavily influenced by an advertising agency,
Keisuke Kuwata, the great Keisuke Kuwata, was impressed by the quality of the song, including the poem and the music, as well as the musicality of the song, and praised it highly.



These songs are a wide selection for sanshin beginners and advanced players alike. Why not pick up a sanshin and play these heartwarming masterpieces with your own hands? You will be able to feel the culture and warm message of Okinawa through the music.



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