Usually played in a group with many drummers, the taiko does not often find itself alongside a string instrument.  But if this video is any indication, perhaps the two should be played together a little more often.

Typically an ensemble with many drummers each playing one drum, the taiko always makes for a performance of immense power.  Now in this case the drummer stands behind an entire set of taiko drums and lays down the rhythm for the shamisen.

After the video Click Here to see more instrumental music.

When Japanese strings meet western stylings, the Yoshida Brothers show what it is to rock the shamisen. After the video click here to check out the shamisen solo.

The sound of the shamisen is unmistakable, and certainly characteristic of Japanese music. This 3 string instrument is typically played by sliding up and down the fretless neck while hitting the strings, as well as thumping the skin-covered body, with a large plectrum called a bachi.

Not many string instruments can be considered percussion as well, and that’s just another thing that makes the shamisen so special and unique. Enjoy the video below, then Click Here to check out another Eastern string instrument.

Typically made of bamboo, the rich soulful sound of this Japanese flute more than hints at the spiritual history of the instrument. For Zen Buddhist monks during the medieval period, the common use of shakuhachi was as much for meditation as it was for music.

Today, in Hollywood the shakuhachi is a somewhat commonly used instrument in many films of Japanese setting. Enjoy this performance by Tadashi Tajima in Osaka, Japan.

After the video, Nathan Lee is ready to kick it up a notch with his Beatboxing Flute.

Since the 16th century, the shamisen has been a popular fixture of music in Japan.  The 3 string instrument is commonly played both with and without accompaniment, as it goes great with many other instruments as well as by itself.

This is a video of dueling shamisen.  Enjoy! After the video, Click Here to check out another world instrument.