Shami-chōrō - 三味長老 - [Yokai | Tsukumogami]

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Shami-chōrō - 三味長老 - [Yokai | Tsukumogami]

• About this Yokai: A finely crafted, antique Shamisen that was played by an absolute master, but after the incredible performance, it was only ever played on by novices, who neglected practice for the rest of its career. Now a Tsukumogami: it plays a forlorn melody, lamenting the time that it was played by an adept hand. This sad century old shamisen has fallen out of tune..

• History & early appearances: Shamisen are popular, 3 stringed instruments played with a bachi (a large pick.) similar to a lute, banjo or guitar. - Instruments are often said to become Tsukumogami when they've been neglected by their owners,They are often depicted (humorously) seeking revenge against the musicians who've neglected their practice or repair for months or even decades at a time.

Although, there are several earlier instances of unamed-samisen as yokai both art & in various ghost stories, the most well known is "Shami-Choro" who's earliest named appearance was in Toriyama sekiens 1781 bestiary: Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro (百器徒然袋) - Roughly translating to "Elder Shamisen" the included bio mentions a reference to an old proverb: "you cannot become a master [Choro] without being a novice [Shami] first." this is actually referring to the ranks of buddhist monks, shami is also a hymonym for "3 strings." - its a clever play on words and implies that this shamisen is very, very old and well practiced. - the name & design Toriyama gave it stuck!

In modern bestiaries: its often seen playing along side Koto-Furunushi & Biwa-Boku-Boku, These three are often said to be a trio that play forgotten songs and tunes together as a band. - They serve as a reminder to practice diligently & to not let the old instruments & ways of playing be forgotten.

There are also various audio phenomena & stories about ghosts playing the shamisen. however, those aren't really related to the yokai in question.

see also: Koto-Furunushi, Biwa-Boku-Boku, Instruments

Back to Yokai, Japanese Folklore & Mythology

Shami-chōrō - 三味長老 - [Yokai | Tsukumogami]

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