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Yanagawa Kengyō

柳川検校

???? - 8/5/1680

Shamisen & Composer

Born in Osaka. At a young age he became a koto student of Ishimura Kengyō or Yamanoi Kengyō, who was the founder of shamisen music. He became famous as a master of shamisen along with Yatsuhashi Kengyo, who was active at the same time.

In 1639, he was certified as a school inspector by his master. After that, he composed the koto and shamisen kumiuta. Yanagawa founded the Yanagawa school and had a great influence on the later generations.

Composed or Arranged

Shamisen Compositions
Title Kanji Year Alternate Title
Haya Fune 早舟


Hira Ya Komatsu 比良や小松


Hosori 細り


Matsu ni Gozare 待つにござれ


Rosai 弄斎


Sakai


Nanatsuko 七つ子
End of 17th century