Immerse yourself in the diverse styles of traditional shamisen music! The instrument, originally from China, reached Japan in the 16th century, where it underwent changes in shape, size and sound. The shamisen has become a central element in Japan’s unique performing arts and entertainment culture, featured in kabuki and bunraku theaters, salon, folk and vaudeville music, and more. This evening showcases three traditional shamisen musical styles–nagauta (kabuki), gidayu (bunraku) and jiuta (tatami salon concerts) — as performed by Japan’s preeminent shamisen players and chanters, including a Living National Treasure and a traditional nihon buyo dancer.

Artists include: Fujii Hirokazu (jiuta chanter/shamisen), Takemoto Komanosuke (gidayu chanter, Living National Treasure), Tsuruzawa Yumi aka Yumiko Tanaka (gidayu shamisen), Tsuruzawa Tsugahana (gidayu shamisen), Imafuji Chotatsuro (nagauta shamisen), Kineya Katsujuro (nagauta shamisen), Kineya Mitsuya (nagauta chanter) and Hanayagi Genkuro (nihon buyo traditional dancer).

Program to include: Kanjincho (nagauta style), Zangetsu (jiuta style), Tamagawa (nagauta style) and Komochi Yamamba (gidayu style).

Pre-Performance Lecture led by Dr. K. Natasha Foreman, Lecturer in Musicology and Ethnomusicology at Wayne State University. One hour before curtain. FREE and open to ticket holders only.

Thursday, Nov. 20 performance is followed by a MetLife Meet-the-Artists Reception.

Visit www.japansociety.org for more info!