Background
Master samisen (three-stringed Japanese guitar) music. Founder of the Nozawa school of samisen music. Born in Kyoto, he was at first an umbrella maker. A high disciple of Gon-emon Takezawa samisen player, he became a leading player of the Toyotakeza theater in Osaka. He was active in the Kyoho and Horeki eras (1716-63). His style of playing was flowery and gay.
