Shamisen

The Shamisen comprise of two types of vocal music. They are melodious singing and narrative singing. Developed as two genres of music called the Jiuta and Nagauta, the former has been described as pure music that stands alone, while the latter Nagauta, usually partners with Kabuki dance drama.

The music of Shamisen derived from styles which include Gidayu-bushi, Kiyomoto, Shin’nai and 70ki-axu. Gidayu-bushi has been commonly used as a narrative aspect to Bunraku puppet theatre and Kiyomoto often serves as background music for Kabuki dance.