Hey Bro, What Do You Think You're Doing with that Shamisen?!

By Minnie Chi

Within the past few years, the popularity of the traditional Tsugaru-shamisen has skyrocketed in Japan. The Tsugaru-shamisen, a three-stringed banjo-like lute that is played with a plectrum (resembling a big guitar pick), was introduced to Japan from mainland China in the 16th century and was especially evolved in the northern region of Tsugaru. The genre of this particular instrument was first developed by blind street minstrels called 'bosama' who went door to door as beggars, playing melodies and rhythms that reflected their rough, povertized life for money.

Yoshida Brothers live at their cd release party at Buddha's Belly, Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 4, 2003. Courtesy of APA

The shamisen became one of Japan's most important classical instruments but has been kept in the ancient closet until fairly recently. The rise of Japanese shamisen performers has helped boost the awareness of this type of music and sound that was once long forgotten. Now days, record companies are signing on numerous shamisen artists that are breathing a contemporary spirit into the folk instrument, actually making what elders may listen to, hip and happening.

Yoshida Brothers having a good time on stage at Buddha's Belly, Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 4, 2003. Courtesy of APA

Rising shamisen stars like Hiromitsu Agatsuma, Shinichi Kinoshita and the Yoshida Brothers are Japan's current hot commodities. The Yoshida Brothers, however, are a phenomenon of their own. The twenty-something duo are given enormous credit by the press for having sparked a nationwide interest in shamisen music since their big break in 1997 when their performance at a New Year's Eve concert was televised nationwide. In January 2001, Asia Week Magazine (asiaweek.com) wrote, "Certainly no one had ever heard the shamisen played like a rock guitar until the Yoshidas came long. Nor had anyone witnessed such animated performances." Classical music journalist and editor-in-chief of the monthly Hogaku Journal (Journal of Traditional Japanese Music), Tanaka Takafumi, has also been quoted in the same article with his powerful comment that "The Yoshida Brothers are making history."

Kenichi Yoshida solo. Courtesy of APA

Siblings Ryoichiro (26) and Kenichi (23) Yoshida were introduced to the shamisen by their father but never took a serious liking until they were trained by the same instructor, Takashi Sasaki, since the tender age of five. They devoted themselves to the string instrument, practicing five to six hours a day, which eventually led them to win a series of contests. They went on to release their debut album, "Ibuki" (Breath) in 1999, which has now sold more than 100,000 copies - an exceptional and extremely rare achievement for a shamisen album.

Courtesy of APA

But talent is only one of the many factors involved in the Yoshidas' phenomenal success. They are probably the most unique in appeal, style and essence than most other contemporary shamisen players. First off, they perform in traditional Japanese kimonos and hakama pants (which look like large split skirts) contrasting with their trendy haircuts, Ryoichiro with orange-tinted spiky hair and his younger brother with an amber feathered do. Their youthful handsome faces are also assets that sell on their own, scoring the affection of hyper Japanese schoolgirls and teenagers. Their appearance clearly symbolizes their "East meets West" musical approach. Secondly, the very fact that they are brothers who play a freeform instrument in-sync gives them an original appeal though each brother's solo moments show their individual styles with Ryoichiro favoring a softer and lyrical approach to the shamisen while his younger brother's style is more aggressive. Third, the Yoshidas are extremely self-aware and maintain a clear mission as young yet profoundly experienced shamisen enthusiasts to be the voice of a new shamisen generation.

Ryoichiro Yoshida solo. Courtesy of APA

It's Aug. 5, 2003, the day after their cd release party at Buddha's Belly restaurant in Los Angeles, CA and the Yoshida Brothers seem eager to be interviewed at Hollywood's Grafton Hotel after an intimate and amazing first show in the U.S. Kenichi explains, "last night, the audience not only applauded but screamed and shouted 'woo!'s. It's not that usual in Japan to get that kind of a response - they usually just applaud. But this kind of response gave us more energy to feed off of." The Yoshida Brothers have just released their self-titled U.S. debut that ranges from a diversity of musical styles including traditional shamisen, contemporary jazz, hip hop backdrops, mild new age, rock renderings and world music.

Courtesy of Domo Records

On stage, they exercise every aspect of the shamisen. The Japanese press refers to their technique as "thrashing," which Kenichi says they probably describe it as such because of their aggressive moves and style of performance. The brothers are highly expressive when they play, reacting and swaying to the sounds they make - a very unconventional presentation which definitely marks their unique identity in the shamisen world. Their energy is also heightened by their loud periodic grunts, a way for the two to communicate on stage amidst improvisation which also enchant the audience, giving listeners insight to the players' internal strength.

The Yoshida Brothers certainly do not perceive themselves as celebrities though their country's people believe otherwise. Kenichi laughs at the idea and says, "What we are doing right now is just an extension of what we have been doing ever since we were kids." Not even stardom can get in the way of their mission to spread the good news of the shamisen - that it's not a dead art that only their great ancestors enjoyed centuries ago. The siblings' ode to tradition filtered through their hopeful modern eyes gives way to a promising future for the shamisen and establishes the duo as a true inspiration to a new generation of well-rounded musicians.

The two view their venture to America, which Ryoichiro appreciates for its "wide blue sky" and ideal weather for his instrument, as part of their mission. His last words are, "My goal is to spread and encourage shamisen music to people around the world." Kenichi is more specific as he conclusively states, "People in America do not know what the shamisen is at all. I want Americans to know that in Japan, there is such a type of music and I personally want to serve as the medium to show its characteristics." With four hit albums totaling sales of approximately 300,000 and a U.S. debut under their belt, various advertisement contracts, and their superstar status in Japan, the confident and driven Yoshida Brothers are closer to achieving their goal than they will ever know. Then again, it's all about the journey, a journey that probably won't stop anytime soon for these two young masterful shamisen revivalists.

www.domo.com

August 15, 2003