Monday Night - I went to Kim's house for a 'Mexican Night'! We made Tacos and Burritos, I ate so much, it was deeelicious! I ate 2 burritos, 1 taco, a custard-cream puff, raspberry jelly, and 2 Daquiris...
wish I lived further away from Kim so I could walk off my meal that night, but I only live 2 minutes walk away.
Kim's friend Makiko brought her "Shamisen" (very old traditional Japanese instrument that Geisha used to specialize in). Makiko has only been learning the shamisen for 10 months, so she played some simple children's songs for us. It was great to hear such a traditional instrument in such a relaxed athmosphere. Usually the shamisen is made out of cat skin, and very expensive, but Makiko's is just a beginner's one...and I dunno if they still make it out of cat skin. Hope not!
Then, inspired by Makiko's Shamisen, Ashley got her musical instruments out! 
This is a "Koto" -another very old, traditional Japanese instrument, that women play usually. This Koto was kindly lent to Ashley by her koto teacher. It was the teacher's grandmother's Koto. It's awesome, how it's all made out of one large piece of wood. Ashley's only started learning the Koto, but she can already play some simple traditional songs "sakura...sakura..." etc.
I got to try playing the Koto!
It was fun...but as you see, I'm better at posing than at playing.
When you play the Koto, you need to wear special 'Nails' made of Ivory to pick the strings. It felt rather glam!
Another instrument!! This one is called the "Shakohachi". It's a traditional bamboo flute. It has an amazing tone. Very husky, earthy, haunting sound. I wish I could learn it...
So, that was my "Mexican food night" with "Japanese Music"! I felt so priviledged to be in one room with 3 very old traditional Japanese instruments! Not many people play these anymore.
http://funkyjapan.sblo.jp/
2006-07-05 @ 17:45