Shamisen Dojo and Shop in Kyoto

An American professional musician visited Shamisen Dojo!

Of course, it was his very first time touching a shamisen, but amazingly, this video was taken only about 30 minutes after the lesson started.

Normally, the minyo scale has a minor feeling, but when the backing side centers around the 3rd position (the minor 3rd), it shifts into E major and creates this bright, uplifting atmosphere.

His pitch accuracy and crisp bachi attack were absolutely remarkable.

He also played beautifully in several other scales, so I’d love to share more of his performance sometime in the future.

Check out his work here ⇨

I met a multi-instrumentalist named Kishan at the festival , and we ended up having an impromptu session right there on the spot.
It was a rare and beautiful moment hearing the sound of his bansuri blend together with the shamisen in the middle of Mumbai’s skyscraper skyline.

Please check out his amazing work as well!

#日印

This week’s amazing award goes to this gentleman right here. And everyone, please don’t be surprised — he is 91 years old.

Originally, the age limit at Shamisen Dojo was around 80 years old. However, after receiving an inquiry from his daughter explaining how healthy and energetic he was, we decided to make a special exception and welcome him for a lesson.

Thanks to this gentleman, we had the opportunity to reconsider our age policy, and now we are happy to say that lessons are available for people up to 100 years old.

Even guests with limited mobility or leg issues can still enjoy a lesson like this, even if it’s just a one-time experience. So if you have any interest in trying shamisen, please feel free to contact us regardless of age or physical condition.

Once again, let’s give this gentleman a huge round of applause. 👏

This month's Sugoi Award” goes to the legendary Jordan Rudess, who visited us in March.

After his band's massive Japan tour, he still made time to come to the Shamisen Dojo. Despite being a world-renowned master who captivates audiences across the globe, he was incredibly humble, deeply hungry, and full of a desire to keep growing.

With great respect for the shamisen—an instrument he was touching for the first time—he discovered so many possibilities right in front of me within such a short lesson.

He is my student, yet also my great master—and a friend with whom I can truly connect beyond words.

From Kyoto, We sincerely wish him continued success and even greater journeys ahead.

Right before an important performance, we had the chance to use a gym in one of Mumbai’s prime locations as our practice space.

Inspired by the cool, focused atmosphere of this place—where people come to sharpen and refine themselves—this spontaneous session was born.

The gym owner, Mohit, and I first met at a Ninja Dojo in Kyoto.
And now here we are, creating music together in Mumbai.

All the different “paths” connected—and in that moment, formed a perfect circle.

Shamisen:
Cajón:
Shooting:
Location: Whole9Yard　

This week’s “Awesome Award” goes to him.

In shamisen—especially Tsugaru shamisen—it’s essential to strike the bachi firmly toward the skin. Throughout the entire lesson, he consistently maintained that technique, and it really shows. You can feel the power and the tight, resonant tone in his playing during the session.

Our owner Jack is currently on a business trip in India, but he’s looking forward to welcoming you all back to the shamisen dojo after he returns.

Congratulations on your award!

I recently traveled to Shimonoseki and stayed a ryokan with the team from a popular Ninja Dojo in Kyoto.

Shimonoseki is well known for its incredible seafood, but it’s also home to Akama Shrine, a place deeply connected to the story of the Heike clan—a story long told by biwa hōshi.

Biwa hōshi were traditional Japanese storytellers who narrated epic tales using the ancient instrument called the biwa. Their performance style is even said to have influenced shamisen techniques—especially the use of the bachi.

You can even find statues of biwa hōshi there, with people quietly offering their prayers.

While Japan’s famous tourist spots are always worth visiting, exploring deeper, more culturally layered places like this can offer a completely different experience.

I’m proud to present this month’s award to a student who joined us at the start of the year.

Despite picking up the shamisen for the very first time, he naturally brought in vibrato and played with a sense of phrasing that felt incredibly organic. His sound was like a spark of hope for 2026—it honestly inspired me.

At Shamisen Dojo, our lessons are built so that even complete beginners can reach a point where they can jam.

Trust Jack. Let’s make music.




#三味線道場
#セッション

Just a 5-minute walk from the Shamisen Dojo stands Hirano Shrine, a historic shrine famous for its cherry blossoms.


Hirano Shrine was relocated to its current location in 794, at the same time as the capital moved to Heian-kyo. It was originally part of the imperial palace in Nara (Heijo-kyo) and has deep historical ties to the Imperial family.

During cherry blossom season, free concerts are held at the main hall.

In this video, please enjoy the contrast between the daytime and nighttime scenes.
Especially in the evening performance, you can enjoy a remarkable performance by Bunta Sato and his ensemble, who are well known for Tsugaru flute.

“Tsugaru” refers to the Tsugaru region in northern Japan — the birthplace of Tsugaru shamisen, which is the specialty of JACK, the owner of the Shamisen Dojo.