A Japanese Tradition I Want To Share

Sekioka Maika Hiroshima Prefectural Miyoshi High School

The charm of the is that it heals and soothes. The Sanshin has been loved in Okinawa for a long time. Nowadays, it is used for celebrations and festivals. The beautiful sound makes you feel nostalgic and gives a sense of security. So, I think the Sanshin is loved not only in Okinawa but also in and around the world. The Sanshin was introduced to Japan from Mainland China in the 14th century. It has been improved over the years to become the present form. It was not a major instrument back then because it was expensive. However, some people made an instrument that imitates the Sanshin, out of cheap materials. After that, it became popular in the whole Okinawa area. That was the beginning of when the Sanshin became a traditional instrument in Okinawa. During World War Ⅱ, only Okinawa experienced ground combat. Many people were injured and killed. At that time, the Sanshin healed the hearts of the Okinawan residents. However, it was difficult for people to get the Sanshin, so they made it out of wood and empty cans. That was called the “Kankara Sanshin.” The Sanshin has been played for a hundred years. Thus, the Sanshin is more special than other instruments for Okinawans. I took a Sanshin class last year. I studied the history of the Sanshin, how to play it, and learned how it differs from the . Before that, I did not know the difference between the Sanshin and Shamisen because their shapes are similar. I learned that the big difference is the way it is played. You play the Shamisen by hitting the strings. Therefore, you feel full of energy by listening to it. On the other hand, you play the Sanshin by picking the strings. I think that the sound of the Sanshin calms people's hearts. In recent years, some artists use the Sanshin for their performances, so this traditional instrument has spread to a wide generation. However, I think the Sanshin has not really gained recognition in foreign countries yet. The Sanshin is a very important item for and Japan, so I want to share the Sanshin with people around the world. (367 words)