Sanshin (three-stringed lute)
Also written: 三線 · 三线
A traditional Okinawan three-stringed instrument whose distinctive tone is emblematic of Okinawan music and is recognized internationally.
An Illustrated Japan / Okinawa / Culture & Tradition
About this place
Sanshin is the soul sound of Okinawa, a three-stringed lute about 80 centimeters long with a body covered in python skin and a neck carved from kuruchi inkwood from Yaeyama. It descends from the Chinese sanxian of Fujian Province. The dominant theory says 36 Min families sent by Hongwu Emperor of Ming in 1392 brought it, with full adoption through tribute trade from the 15th century onward. In Ryukyu Kingdom, officials studied it as a required accomplishment; workshops produced different headstocks indicating rank, used to entertain Chinese investiture envoys with Kumi Odori theater. Notation is kun-kun-shi, a tablature written with kanji indicating finger positions, compiled around 1710 by Yakabi Choki, also called Tumui Uyaka. After World War II, islanders made kankara sanshin from empty tin cans and parachute cords as American surplus folk instruments, later symbols of peace. The highest grade neck uses heartwood of Yaeyama ebony aged over ten years; python skin is now CITES regulated, so artificial skins are common but connoisseurs still prefer natural for richer overtones. Players wear a buffalo horn plectrum on the index finger. In 2018 Ryukyu sanshin was designated a National Traditional Craft by METI. In Makishi near Yui Rail you can try a one hour beginner class for 2000 yen to learn Kajadi Fu, the celebratory opening song. At minyo izakaya at night, hearing a 70-year-old master parse a single note shows how much breathing space matters. Purchase prices range from 30,000 yen for student models to over 500,000 for blackwood lacquered masterworks. Seasonal maintenance includes loosening skin in rainy season. Avoid storing in direct sun as skin cracks. Strings historically silk imported via Naha trade, now nylon for humidity, tuning uses ear pegs sensitive to weather. Kunkunshi scores color strings visually, enabling oral transmission without staff notation. Modern bands like Begin fused funk with sanshin, popularizing it nationally. Sanshin case called tiiga as protective box. Amateurs join eisa groups doubling as drummers and singers. Care includes wiping python with dry cloth, loosening pegs after rain. Okinawa City Koza Music Town shows evolution to electric sanshin. Night folk bands busk on Kokusai-dori. Strings historically silk imported via Naha trade, now nylon for humidity, tuning uses ear pegs sensitive to weather. Kunkunshi scores color strings visually, enabling oral transmission without staff notation. Modern bands like Begin fused funk with sanshin, popularizing it nationally. Sanshin case called tiiga as protective box. Amateurs join eisa groups doubling as drummers and singers. Care includes wiping python with dry cloth, loosening pegs after rain. Okinawa City Koza Music Town shows evolution to electric sanshin. Night folk bands busk on Kokusai-dori.
