Kikuoka Sangen Ten

Kikuoka Sangen Ten is a shamisen manufacturer led by Kimiaki Kono. Kono is the first-generation leader, which is unusual in this field as businesses are typically passed down through generations. He has introduced new approaches, such as using alternative materials for the shamisen body instead of stretched animal skin, and developed new tools (kisen) to hold the stretched skin in place, leading to productivity improvements and professional quality sound. The shamisen is one of Japan’s traditional musical instruments and is classified as a stringed instrument. The shamisen has a wooden body with a long pole through which the skin is attached, and the strings are plucked with a plectrum. The charm of the shamisen lies in its power of expression. It is rare to find an instrument with a sound that is both bold and delicate at the same time.