The Ryukyu Castanet Known as Sanba (三板)

This instrument accompanies many Okinawan folk bands.

It is a gadget made by threading three pieces of hardwood on a string.

It took awhile, but, I found a good video of the sanba in action.

For anyone wishing to practice, here's a good video.






The instrument is available in many gift stores throughout the islands.

One of these musical instruments has been taking up space in my office.

Today, I decided to use it as a photographic subject.

Using available light, I shot a few different compositions, with black and white backgrounds.

Still not sure, which, I like best. Maybe, I'll try some Okinawan fabric next time.

The research, led me to something about this instrument, I had never known.

It was introduced to Okinawa by a famous singer.

Now deceased, he was the father of another musician, Kina Shoukichi.

Read more about it at The Power of Okinawa

Kina the younger, had one heck of a good band, back in the good old days.

Recently, he got himself into politics and, got whooped really bad.

Politics and, I don't really agree with each other but, I can play the sanba.

Maybe, I should look that guy, Kina Shoukichi up.

If he'll teach me how to play the sanshin and sing, I'll show him how to play the sanba !

Happy Sanshin Day !

March 4th Is Sanshin No Hi in Okinawa, Japan

 

 

The instrument being played in the photo above is a sanshin.

Some folks would consider it the Okinawan guitar.

It is a three-stringed instrument with a snakeskin covered body.

 Ryukyu Broadcasting Company (RBC) estimates 100,000 people will play the sanshin today.

The twang of the sanshin can be heard in classical music performances.

And, in popular music, as well.

Enjoy this bilingual documentary, Sanshin: Strings of the Okinawan Soul

RELATED POST: March 4th is Sanshin Day in Okinawa Japan

Okinawa Sanshin Day: A Photo Essay

     The Okinawan Sanshin is a three-stringed instrument you'll hear at every festival on the island.

           It is played on stage at wedding ceremonies, school assemblies, parties or concerts.


                  You may see the samisen displayed in murals on the street as wall art.


                                             Played by young women at a summer festival.


                                           Played by young men on an indoor stage.


                                   Displayed as a backdrop on an outdoor stage.


                    Displayed on a TV screen along with the words for a karaoke tune.


              Played late at night on a stage accompanied by an Eisa band beating drums.


                                  On the back of a pickup truck during Obon season.


         Displayed on racks in a store that specializes in hand-crafted musical instruments.

The 4th of March is Sanshin Day in Okinawa, Japan.  It's time for me to crank my radio up to as many decibels as it will reach and take the rest of the day off. Everyday should be Sanshin Day in Okinawa.

Here is a link, if you want to read more about it: SANSHIN PLAYS STRAIGHT INTO OKINAWAN SOUL

If you want to hear some of the music try this U-TUBE THINGY but let me tell you, those folks might not be playing the quality of music I get here. Someone may have slipped something in their drinks !