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Kenya Satoh: Shamisen player embracing the traditional Japanese instrument

Satoh participated for the second time at ADIHEX this year and was pleased to see visitors listening to his performance. (Supplied)
Satoh participated for the second time at ADIHEX this year and was pleased to see visitors listening to his performance. (Supplied)
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04 Nov 2024 06:11:16 GMT9
04 Nov 2024 06:11:16 GMT9

Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Kenya Satoh is a Japanese professional shamisen player based in Prague. He recently visited the UAE to participate in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) that took place in August and September.  

Shamisen is a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument, similar to the banjo. Red sandalwood is used for the neck of the instrument while the strings are made of nylon and silk.

Lately, he has been experimenting with looping using the software Ableton Live as he would like to play as many different styles as possible.

Satoh, who started playing the instrument at a young age, mentioned that his inspiration for music came from his fellow music lovers and musicians. His concept is to entertain people as all music is down to that in his opinion.

He shared that that among traditional Japanese instruments, the shamisen in particular tends to place emphasis on rhythm. In Japan, many people refer to the shamisen as a kind of percussion instrument.

Satoh participated for the second time at ADIHEX this year and was pleased to see visitors listening to his performance.

“This is my second visit to ADIHEX as I participated in the JODCO booth at the exhibition in Abu Dhabi last year,” he said. “When I heard the music that was occasionally played inside the exhibition center, I was very intrigued by the unique melody that was different from our own music.”

“I feel that the characteristics of a region are well reflected in its culture, such as its music and food. As a musician, I’m particularly interested in the sounds that come from each region,” he added. 

About his recommendations for those who want to learn about shamisen, Satoh said: “Among the traditional Japanese instruments, the shamisen is one of the most difficult to learn, but it is a good idea to start by studying the genre. Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to your preferred style.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
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