The "33rd Tsugaru Shamisen World Congress" will be held in Hirosaki City on May 3 and 4 for the purpose of inheriting and developing the history and tradition of the Tsugaru Shamisen.

The Tsugaru district of Aomori Prefecture is the birthplace of the Tsugaru shamisen. The tournament is held as a venue for Tsugaru Shamisen players from all over Japan, as well as all over the world, to compete for their skills. From this year, the name of the tournament will be changed from "Tsugaru Shamisen National Tournament" to "Tsugaru Shamisen World Tournament". The number of participants is increasing from all over the world, and the tournament held last year also had participants from the United States, Mongolia, and Greece. "I would like to spread the tradition of Tsugaru Shamisen not only to Japan but also to the world and aim for its development," said Nobuyo Kojima, the executive committee of the tournament.

You can also use Youstream to broadcast to the world on the internet and support in real time via Twitter and Facebook. Participants with the most messages are provided with special prizes.

Doors open from 9am on both days. The day ticket is 2000 yen (both day tickets are 3500 yen). The venue is the Hirosaki Civic Center (Shimohiragincho, Hirosaki City) in Hirosaki Park. Since it is during the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, you can enjoy the sounds of the Tsugaru shamisen and the cherry blossoms that are inspiring at the same time.