History & Culture

history

The biwa, a captivating stringed instrument integral to Japan's rich musical heritage, traces its origins to the Persian Barbat, arriving on Japanese shores during the 7th and 8th centuries. Treasures from this era, including exquisite biwas, are preserved in the venerable Shosoin Repository in Nara, offering a glimpse into their ancient origins. For over 1200 years, the biwa has accompanied Japan through various historical events, continuing to resonate into the modern era.

types of biwa

Over the centuries, the biwa has diversified into several distinct forms, each evolving its own unique sound and purpose.

Gagaku Biwa:	The elegant biwa of the imperial court, gracing the refined ensembles of Gagaku music.
Mōsō Biwa:	The soulful biwa of blind monks, its melodies accompanying Buddhist chants and sacred narratives.
Heike Biwa:	The resonant biwa of the storyteller, bringing to life the epic saga of The Tale of the Heike.
Satsuma Biwa:	The powerful biwa of the Satsuma samurai, its vibrant tones reflecting the martial spirit of Kyushu.
Chikuzen Biwa:	The expressive biwa of Chikuzen, weaving together narratives and melodies in a style unique to the region.

about Kinshin-ryu

The Kinshin-ryu biwa is a school (ryu) of Satsuma biwa, known for its powerful sound and dramatic narratives, but with distinct characteristics that set it apart.
The Satsuma biwa itself has roots in the late 16th century, developed in the Satsuma domain (present-day Kagoshima prefecture) as a refined form of musical storytelling. The Kinshin-ryu school emerged from this tradition, founded by Nagata Kinshin in the early 20th century. The Kinshin-ryu biwa is characterized by its:

Powerful and resonant sound:	The five-stringed biwa allows for a wider range of tones and a richer, more dynamic sound than traditional four-stringed biwas.
Dramatic storytelling:	Performances often feature passionate vocals and vivid narration alongside the biwa's evocative melodies.
Expressive playing style:	Kinshin-ryu players utilize a distinctive playing technique, employing a large wooden plectrum (bachi) to strike the strings with force and precision.