The 18th Tsugaru Shamisen Japan No.1 Contest May 3rd and 4th in Aomori City, free of charge for spectators! The opening performance will be a Tsugaru Shamisen ensemble!

The Executive Committee of Tsugaru Shamisen Japan No.1 Tournament will hold the 18th Tsugaru Shamisen Japan No.1 Tournament, one of the most prestigious Tsugaru Shamisen tournaments, from May 3 (Fri., holiday) to May 4 (Sat., holiday), 2024, at Link Station Hall Aomori in Aomori City.

Contestants in the Japan's Best Division this year

This year marks the 18th "Tsugaru Shamisen Japan No.1 Contest". The main feature of the competition is that the number one player in Japan is determined by the total score of not only the solo performance but also the accompaniment to the Tsugaru folk song singers. The past Japan's best players have gone on to become top-class performers in Japan and abroad. The competition has various divisions, from junior to senior and group, according to performance level and style, and this year more than 110 groups will compete.

Outline of the Competition

Date & Time: May 3 (Fri., holiday) to May 4 (Sat., holiday), 2024, Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Admission: Free (*No numbered admission tickets, please come directly to the venue)

Venue: Link Station Hall Aomori (Aomori City Cultural Hall)

Sponsor : Executive Committee of Tsugaru Shamisen Japan No.1 Tournament

　　　　　　　　　　　Tsugaru Shamisen National Council, Aomori City Board of Education

　　　　　　　　　　　Aomori City Board of Education

Homepage URL: http://www.tsugaru-syamisen.com/japan.html

Schedule

＜May 3 (Friday, national holiday)

9:30 Doors open

10:00 Tsugaru Shamisen Ensemble Opening Ceremony

10:20 Beginners' section

12:20 Break

13:10 Intermediate

14:40 Senior section

16:10 Advanced Women's Division

16:55 Critique

＜May 4 (Saturday, national holiday)

9:30 Doors open

10:00 Ceremony for the 2nd day

10:10 Junior Division

11:15 Japan's Best Division [Songs Played and Performed]

12:25 Intermission

13:30 Group Ringo section

14:15 Nebuta Group

14:50 Japan's No.1 Group [Songs and Accompaniment]

16:35 Entertainment by Japan No.1

16:55 Closing remarks

*Times are subject to change depending on the progress of the day.

*Awards ceremony will be held after each section.