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Published: April 19th 2005
Me, Masahiro, Ryoji
Shortly after Masahiro's first performance in the United States.The Shamisen
Nitta Oyako - A father and son Tsugaru Shamisen duo from Hokkaido, Japan, made their first trip to American soil just a few days ago. To our luck they decided to make their American debut at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For those wondering what a Shamisen is I’ll include a little bit of history to educate!
Shamisen is an old Japanese musical instrument. It looks like a banjo with a long neck. You might have heard of shamisen music in connection with geishas, the kabuki theater or the Japanese bunraku puppet theater. As often to be found in Japanese arts, also the shamisen has its origins in China. From China the instrument came to the Southern Islands of Ryukyu (Okinawa). Around the late 16th century it arrived on the Japanese main island and soon became popular. It was first used by street singers and geishas and considered a lower class instrument.
Hiroshi (Father) & Masahiro (Son) have been absolutely charming to spend time around. This was so solidified at the welcoming picnic for Hiroshi, hosted by Hank, an IUP Professor. I was an unknown face to the group hosting the party, but nonetheless they welcomed me as
Masahiro & Hiroshi
Tuning up for the outdoor performance. they did to everyone else. The weather was so nice; warm and sunny with a slight breeze. The grass is very lush now in Indiana, providing us with good seats to bask in amazement once again of the Shamisen. I told friends I felt like I was in an entire other part of the Country. Hiroshi & Masahiro went around greeting everyone and speaking with those at the party who knew no Japanese. My friends Jon & Jenn, both, whom speak no Japanese, received many “domo arigratou’s” courtesy of Hiroshi. All in all it was a very enjoyable and cultural experience. I could not have asked for more!
Kansai Gaidai Admission
Friday August 15th was the magical day I was supposed to hear from a representative of Kansai Gaidai in regards to my admission into the Asian Studies Program. Lucky for me I’ve been officially accepted! I received the email around 8:30AM and felt such a relief to finally know where I will be spending my next semester. Looks like it won’t be here at IUP. I’ll miss out on a lot I’m sure, but this is going to be my chance of a lifetime. I must cease the
day, right?
Kansai Gaidai writes this about their Asian Studies Program: A special program accommodating international students wishing to pursue Japanese language and Japan/Asian studies. As of 2003 they accepted 587 international students. The program has continued to prosper and is ever increasing each year. I think that goes to show the world is becoming less Western focused. I am fortunate enough to be participating in this program through a direct exchange program agreement between the two schools.
Location: Kansai Gaidai's two campuses (Nakamiya and Hotani) are located in Hirakata City (pop.: 408,000) near Osaka city, the second largest business metropolis next to Tokyo. Hirakata is also close to Kyoto and Nara, both of which are synonymous with "Japan's rich tradition." This Geographic Advantage provides students with easy access to the centers of Osaka and Kyoto in little over half an hour by train. (courtesy of Kansai Gaidai webpage)
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anonymous
non-member comment
Ha, I love your entries so much! I hope you're as excited for the concert tomorrow as I am. Kyle and I shall save you a seat, since we'll be there EARLY! hehehe I'm also glad to have finally gotten something official from Kansai. Although it still feels a bit like a dream... Well, I can't wait! - kerii