Half-day shamisen experience tour “The Sound for Kabuki -SHAMISEN-” now on sale.

On Friday 1st May 2026, OUGI Inc. began sales of its inbound experiential activity, “The Sound for Kabuki -SHAMISEN-“. This program is not about watching Kabuki, which is a popular Japanese performance overseas, but focuses on the shamisen music that has supported the stage with its sounds. The tour was developed as an experience where participants listen to the traditional Japanese sounds and to make those sounds by playing the shamisen by themselves. The sounds of Shamisen tell you “Mono no Ahare” which is the concept inherited among Japanese people to be moved by beauty in the changing moments. We hope that through classical Japanese music, participants will have the opportunity to experience the Japanese aesthetic sense.

We are pleased to offer this tour with the cooperation of Mr. Jushin Ogie, who carries on the tradition of “Ogie-bushi.” It is a form of classical Japanese music that originated from Kabuki music and has been passed down for 250 years. In 1993, it was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. The tranquil, delicate, and gentle sound of “Ogie-bushi” is unique and conveys the “heart of Japan” across generations. The tour is held in Kamakura, which is a popular destination for inbound tourists and easily accessible from Tokyo. We would recommend this tour to tourists following the Golden Route, as well as those who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

This tour is a two-and-a-half-hour experience where you will visit the Ogie-bushi training studio in Kamakura, learn about the roots of the shamisen, listen to a live performance by a successor, and finally have the opportunity to play a song on the shamisen yourself. A tour guide who is also a shamisen player will accompany you and carefully explain the details of shamisen culture in both English and Japanese. Through the melodies and “ma (space/timing)” that have been passed down through the Ogie-bushi tradition, you will feel the “heart of Japan”. It will also lead you to be able to enjoy Kabuki not only as an art to “see” but also as an art to “listen” to.

To participate, please select your preferred date from the tour details page and apply for the tour. If you wish to participate on a date other than those listed, please feel free to contact us.

The Sound for Kabuki -SHAMISEN-

[The tour content introduction & inquiry / application]

https://ougi-japan.com/en/destinations/shamisen/