The shamisen is a traditional Japanese three stringed instrument played with a bachi. 

A Brief History of the Tsugaru Shamisen

The shamisen was adapted from a chinese instrument called the sanxian that came to Japan through Okinawa. It was only in the late 19th century that it was adapted into what it is now. In northern Japan it was played in the street by blind musicians, this is why the Tsugaru shamisen was adapted to be louder than other versions such as the ones played by geishas and in kabuki theatre.

In the UK, the Tsugaru shamisen has a small but loyal following, with Hibiki Ichikawa being the only professional player and teacher in the country.