Shamisen
The shamisen is a traditional three-stringed Japanese musical instrument. Its unique sound has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. When you play the shamisen, you strike the body along with the strings. The strings and body vibrating together create a distinctive tone. The history of the shamisen goes back about 500 years. It has long given traditional performing arts, like Kabuki and Bunraku, a lively musical accompaniment. In recent years, many children have begun taking shamisen lessons, and some musicians are adapting the shamisen to modern musical genres like rock and punk. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the shamisen and what this traditional instrument reveals about Japanese musical tastes.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Hoffman Family Gold
A mining partner in Alaska has invested in nearly 2,500 acres of rugged land, and they're about to go belly up. Todd will try to turn around the operation. Will he be able to do it in just six weeks before the winter season sets in?
Darby and Joan
Retired Australian detective Jack Darby is fleeing his past mistakes, while English widow Joan Kirkhope is attempting to outrun her grief. Their worlds collide on a remote backroad. They couldn't be more different: the directionless, blunt Aussie and the sharp-tongued Englishwoman. But thrown together and drawn into the intriguing mysteries lurking in the isolated, tropical corners of a vast continent, it quickly becomes clear the most fascinating mystery they face is each other. Thus begins an epic love story; a non-stop road movie; a mystery series; an Outback odyssey. Darby and Joan asks: can you find yourself in the middle of nowhere?
The Daily Show
Hosted by a rotating cast of comedy greats, The Daily Show remains the go-to source for provocative satire, insightful interviews and an award-winning team of correspondents and contributors.
Game Changer
In this game show, the game changes every show! Players begin each round without knowing the rules -- and must figure them out while competing to win.
America's Got Talent
With the talent search open to acts of all ages, America's Got Talent has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying for their chance to win America's hearts and the $1 million prize.