Changes

The use of a ''chimi'', a claw-shaped plectrum, though quite standard today, is believed to be a relatively recent development. Eighteenth and early 19th century paintings of people playing sanshin do not seem to depict the use of a plectrum.

The use of a ''chimi'', a claw-shaped plectrum, though quite standard today, is believed to be a relatively recent development. Eighteenth and early 19th century paintings of people playing sanshin do not seem to depict the use of a plectrum.

Following the abolition of the Ryûkyû Kingdom in the 1870s and the absorption of its lands and people into the Empire of Japan, many elements of Ryukyuan arts, including performing arts, which were previously exclusive to the aristocracy became more widely, popularly, available. Proficient aristocratic performers began to perform for more general audiences, and to teach students from non-aristocratic backgrounds, while sanshin-makers likewise began selling instruments to the general market. Though Okinawa experienced some considerable processes of Westernization during the [[Meiji period]], it also saw considerable popularization of its musical and other performing traditions, forming the foundations of strong popular folk traditions.

Following the abolition of the Ryûkyû Kingdom in the 1870s and the absorption of its lands and people into the Empire of Japan, many elements of Ryukyuan arts, including performing arts, which were previously exclusive to the aristocracy became more widely, popularly, available. Proficient aristocratic performers began to perform for more general audiences, and to teach students from non-aristocratic backgrounds, while sanshin-makers likewise began selling instruments to the general market. It was also at this time that the ''sanshin'', and Okinawan musical traditions, were first popularized in more distant portions of the archipelago; on [[Yonaguni Island]] and in many other parts of [[Sakishima Islands|Sakishima]], string instruments were up until then not a part of the musical tradition.<ref>Yuan Yu Kuan, "Militarization, Marketing, and Musicking: The Soundscape of Yonaguni Island, Okinawa," presentation at Association for Asian Studies annual conference, Washington DC, 23 March 2018.</ref> Though Okinawa experienced some considerable processes of Westernization during the [[Meiji period]], it also saw considerable popularization of its musical and other performing traditions, forming the foundations of strong popular folk traditions.

In the immediate aftermath of the devastation of World War II, many Okinawans worked to create sanshin from whatever materials were available, as part of efforts to create some levity and enjoyment in their difficult lives. Matayoshi Shin'ei (1916-1985), said to have been one of the greatest sanshin makers of the 20th century, is credited with the creation of the ''kankara'' sanshin, a sanshin made primarily from an empty tin can, parachute fabric (in place of the snakeskin), parachute strings, and whatever scraps of wood could be found. Of course, both within and outside of the refugee camps, people made improvised sanshin from a wide range of different materials; however, Matayoshi's ''kankara'' sanshin has become iconic, and mass-produced ''kankara'' sanshin are widely sold today as a relatively inexpensive alternative to investing in a more traditional-style instrument.<ref>Tokugawa Yoshinobu, 314-315.</ref>

In the immediate aftermath of the devastation of World War II, many Okinawans worked to create sanshin from whatever materials were available, as part of efforts to create some levity and enjoyment in their difficult lives. Matayoshi Shin'ei (1916-1985), said to have been one of the greatest sanshin makers of the 20th century, is credited with the creation of the ''kankara'' sanshin, a sanshin made primarily from an empty tin can, parachute fabric (in place of the snakeskin), parachute strings, and whatever scraps of wood could be found. Of course, both within and outside of the refugee camps, people made improvised sanshin from a wide range of different materials; however, Matayoshi's ''kankara'' sanshin has become iconic, and mass-produced ''kankara'' sanshin are widely sold today as a relatively inexpensive alternative to investing in a more traditional-style instrument.<ref>Tokugawa Yoshinobu, 314-315.</ref>