Japanology Plus (2014)

Episode Overview

In Kazuno, Akita Prefecture, the Hanawa-bayashi festival features a vibrant parade of floats alongside traditional music that echoes throughout the night. Among the performers is Colleen Schmuckal, an American musician, composer, and researcher who showcases the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument integral to Japan’s cultural heritage. During her interview with Peter Barakan on Japanophiles, Schmuckal delves into the enchanting qualities of the shamisen and the captivating sounds of Hanawa-bayashi music, highlighting their significance in both past and present Japan.