A traditional Japanese three-stringed [[instrument]] usually played with a [[plectrum]] called a [[bachi]]. The occasional association with cats comes from the fact that shamisen skins were traditionally made using dog or cat skin, with cat skin favored for finer instruments.

For the cat from the [[Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu]] series, see [[Shamisen (Suzumiya Haruhi)]].

For [[Yoshida Yuuko (Machikado Mazoku)|Shamiko]]'s senior, see [[Lilith (Machikado Mazoku)]].

h4. See also

* [[bachi]]

h4. External links

* "Wikipedia: Shamisen":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamisen
三味線