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Sanshin experiencing renaissanceDate Posted: 2002-04-22 For some time in the past, sanshin had an image of being an instrument that old men and women only enjoyed. However, a popular TV drama that aired last year nation-wide, depicted a taxi driver who had his sanshin at hand where ever he went, awoke the interest of younger generation to the soothing sounds of sanshin. Many cutting-edge rock groups in Okinawa have also incorporated sanshin in their music, and now some scientists say that there is evidence that listening to sanshin music is an excellent way to relieve stress. According to Okinawa Sanshin Association, more than 300,000 people in Okinawa play sanshin regularly. That’s almost one fourth of the prefecture’s population. Sanshin is also a mandatory subject in all prefecture’s elementary school music classes, and high school students earn extra points for mastering sanshin. Even overseas, in Argentine, Okinawan “shimauta” is said to be very popular. And things are only looking better. The completion next year of the new National Theater south of Camp Kinser, will mean that there will be an official stage that is entirely dedicated to Okinawan performing folk arts, including sanshin music. |
   
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