Kankara Sanshin Okinawan instrument

At the heart of Okinawan music is the three-string Sanshin, and its popular version the Kankara Sanshin. While the Sanshin has a five hundred year artisan tradition, the scarcity of materials after WWII prompted the birth of the colorful, do-it-yourself Kankara version, made from tin cans (“kankara” means literally “from a can”) and parachute strings. Now Machidaya’s ready-made Kankara is reawakening the popularity of this spirited Okinawan emblem.

Light and easily mobile, the Kankara is the ideal accessory for campfire outings and beach holidays, not to mention a key discovery for collectors of exotic musical instruments. The Kankara is anything but plain, choose from one of four colorful bands below in traditional Okinawan textiles.

Meanwhile, kids (and grown-ups too) can enjoy the creative arts and crafts element of personalizing their own instrument.

The Kankara Sanshin features:

• Kankara instrument
• Playing manual (Japanese only)
• Stand not included
• Options: red/yellow/black bingata print, smoke kasuri print band
• Options colour is not only for the print band but also the straps.