Nagauta Shamisen: Play the Music of Kabuki

Highlights

• 知
  The music behind kabukiLearn what nagauta is, and why kabuki cannot happen without it.
• 聴
  A live performance, right in front of youThe artist plays a passage from the kabuki repertoire, just for you.
• 弾
  You will playA real phrase from the kabuki repertoire, and then a duet with the artist.

A sound you have heard, but never touched

If you have seen kabuki, you have heard nagauta. It paints the scene, carries the dancers, and lifts the story to its climax. Yet most eyes are on the actors, and few people really notice the musicians.

In this session, the music comes to the front. You sit with a professional artist, hear the shamisen up close, and then hold one yourself. By the end, you will have played a phrase of kabuki music together with the artist, and finished with a kakegoe, a traditional call.

The 60 minutes

How the hour unfolds

1. 0–5

   Welcome and tea

   Settle in with a cup of Japanese tea. A short introduction to kabuki, and the role music plays on its stage.

2. 5–10

   The story of nagauta

   An illustrated introduction: where nagauta came from, and what to listen for.

3. 10–13

   Live performance

   The artist plays a passage from a nagauta piece. The real sound, first.

4. 13–15

   Short break

   Take a breath, take a photo, ask a question.

5. 15–42

   Your turn to play

   How to sit, hold the shamisen, and grip the plectrum. Open strings first, then one short phrase, until you can play it.

6. 42–52

   Duet and kakegoe

   You play, and the artist joins you. Finish with a kakegoe. The best moment for photos and video.

7. 52–60

   Photos and conversation

   Pictures with the artist, and time to ask anything you like.

Your teacher

Included

What's included

• A private 60-minute session with a professional nagauta artist
• Use of a shamisen and all accessories (plectrum, finger guard, knee pad)
• Japanese tea
• An English guide card on nagauta and kabuki
• A take-home card: “How to listen to kabuki music”
• Photos and video of you playing, taken on your phone

Not included: transport to and from the venue.

Before you book

Things to know

Price

¥20,000 per person, tax included. One or two guests per session.

Language

In English or Japanese. You choose when you book.

Location

Kobe. The exact address is sent after your booking is confirmed.

Within walking distance of Sannomiya and Motomachi stations.

Who can join

No experience needed. You don't need to read music.

If you'd like to bring children, or find it hard to sit on the floor for long, please let us know when you book.

What to wear

Comfortable clothing. Loose trousers or a long skirt are easiest for sitting on tatami.

Payment

Pay online by card when you book.

Cancellation

Full refund up to 4 days before; 50% from 1–3 days before; no refund on the day. You can change your date once for free up to 4 days before. Details