Hosozao Shamisenwpntr2018-12-19T18:18:46+00:00 ‘Shamisen’ is one of the traditional instruments of Japan. This instrument was introduced to Japan in the 16th century from Ryukyu islands. It is known that Chinese families lived on this islands in the 14th century and they played this instrument called as Sanxian. The snakeskin which is used for the Sanxian is not found in Japan. So dog and cat skin is taken at the top and the bottom part of the instrument. This instrument became the instrument of the Geishas during the Edo period (1603-1868) and was also used to accompany the dances at Kabuki public theater. There exist three different neck parts of this instrument type: broad (‘futoza’ is for low pitched sound), medium (‘chuzao’) and narrow (‘hosozao’ is for high pitched sound). Hosozao Shamisen is used to accompany to the long songs in the Kabuki. The strings are played with a large plectrum. The surface is covered with a crescent shape leather in order to protect it from plectrum. The board and the neck are not tied each other tightly, the neck part is designed as portable in order to be changed. The metallic handle located at the top part of the instrument is only used to stabilise the two highest strings. The deepest string is mounted to its side. There is a small dome in this handle and there is also one outside. These domes produce a buzzing sound when the thick string hits them. 