From the 16th century Ryuku Kingdom to the 2010 New York Anime Festival, the Shamisen, a three-stringed instrument often described as a "Japanese banjo" has found its way into modern Otaku culture. Thanks in large part to the diverse topical scope of anime where a series like Nitaboh, the Shamisen Master, can find an audience, the instrument remains a touchstone to traditional Japanese culture and music.
The Shamisen can be heard in contemporary rock music, with J-Rockers like Gackt incorporating the instrument into their music. Former Megadeth shredder and known Japanophile Marty Friedman is also a big fan.
Lucky for NYCC/NYAF attendees, one half of the "Monsters of Shamisen," (yup, that's right, "Monsters of Shamisen") Masahiro Nitta and third-generation Shamisen master, Yutaka Oyama will be performing live on the opening day of the con - the perfect way to kick off your weekend of Japanese pop culture emersion.
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