津軽三味線 - Tsugaru Shamisen
The Shamisen is one of Japan's most well-known instruments. The three-stringed long-necked lute is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture due to its unmistakable sound. It can be found, among other places, in Kabuki theater, accompanying folk songs, or also in modern Japanese music.
Tsugaru Shamisen is a genre within Shamisen music where playing is very energetic and expressive. This style emerged as young people sought new ways to express themselves on the instrument and break away from groups that aimed to homogenize the music.
Osanai Kaoru playing Jonkara Bushi
Kaigara Bushi, an old folk song
The Tsugaru Shamisen is enjoying great popularity both in Japan and increasingly around the world. This applies to all social classes, age groups, and genders equally. As a result, and with the help of the internet, it is now much easier to find instruments, teachers, and fellow musicians.
Learning and playing the Tsugaru Shamisen is something that accompanies you throughout your entire life and fills you with great joy!
オープン流三味線 - OpenRyū Shamisen
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tse
Hi!
I'm Andreas 😊 I founded OpenRyū to make the Tsugaru Shamisen (津軽三味線) more popular in Switzerland. I'm a huge Music enthusiast and have been playing the Tsugaru Shamisen since I'm 25 years old. Before that, I've been playing the electric Guitar. Well, I'm still playing the Guitar from time to time, but the Shamisen has definitely taken the main Spot in my life.
It was when I found this Video of Osanai Kaoru when it literally struck me. This sound, this dynamic - from very loud to very silent, with the harmonic, metallic background-buzz... I felt wonderful, content... and I knew: I want to learn to play like this!
Since then, my Shamisen has been with me through all kinds of situations in my life. It keeps me grounded and fills me with joy whenever I play or listen to it. And: I noticed, it connects all kinds of people - No matter what's their origin, age, gender or their place in society. The Tsugaru Shamisen, with it's pure and honest character, reaches to the heart of everybody.
In addition to several concerts I have already performed in Switzerland and Japan, I had the privilege of recording the shamisen for a production by Swiss Radio & Television (SRF). Also, I had the great pleasure of organizing the first, and until now only, Concert of acclaimed Shamisen-Artist Noriko Tadano in Switzerland.
At the Biwako competitions in 2023 and 2024, I managed to win multiple prizes both as part of the group "Ichikotsu" (いちこつ) and in the solo category. This makes me the only active Tsugaru shamisen teacher in Switzerland with such distinctions.
It is an honor for me to hold these awards, and participating in the competitions with our group is always an extraordinarily wonderful experience!
Use this opportunity to benefit from my knowledge and skills. Let's go on a wonderful musical journey to one of the most heartwarming areas of Japanese culture!
Appreciation to my Teachers & Supporters
My greatest gratitude goes to each of my many teachers and supporters who accompany me on my journey to learn the Tsugaru Shamisen. Without them, I would never have gained the profound insight into Japanese culture and its music that I have today.
With their impressive skills, they undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities to create music and pursue cultural activities. Nevertheless, they chose to generously and patiently help someone like me, who is passionate about music and speaks only little Japanese.
Furthermore, it shows me that, although the Tsugaru Shamisen is often perceived as a solo instrument, one cannot get far without a supportive environment, and this should never be taken for granted.
This fills me with immense gratitude and humility every time I play my Shamisen. I hope to one day repay this generosity.
(list in random order)
小竹勇生山と家族
Kotake Yuuzan and his family are masters of the Tsugaru Shamisen style of Takahashi Chikuzan and the arts of Takada Goze. They live on the Sea of Japan in the town of Nou (near Itoigawa) and organize many heartwarming community activities there.
Rolf Müller
Rolf Müller lives and works in Japan and is deeply committed to the city of Itoigawa and its residents. He is the owner of the company Kotobuki, which promotes cultural exchange between Switzerland and Japan.
小山内薫
Osanai Kaoru
Kaoru Osanai is a highly renowned and expressive player of the Tsugaru Shamisen. Through his modern playing style, many people around the world appreciate and connect to his music. Even those who are not yet familiar with the Tsugaru Shamisen. He lives with his family in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture.
只野德子
Noriko lives with her family in Australia. She plays Tsugaru Shamisen pieces and Min'yo with such passion that it moves me to tears every time. Her cheerful and open-hearted nature is a great inspiration to explore new paths. In addition to her own music, she is part of the Blues & Shamisen duo, George and Noriko.
Kyle Abbott
Kyle Abbott from the United States has been dedicated to the Tsugaru Shamisen since his youth, not only in terms of playing but also craftsmanship. His project Bachido significantly contributes to making Tsugaru Shamisen known worldwide and connecting and supporting players from everywhere.
サン
San (my cat)
Live-Status! - San is inside the house and chilling 
