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Nakanōshima Shōsei I

初代中能島松聲

Nakanōshima Shōsei I
3/3/1838 - 1/1/1894

Composer & Koto

Born in Edo, 1838. Blind from the age of three.At six, began koto and shamisen studies at Onagi Inspection School, graduating in 1852. Changed his name to Nakanōshima. Active in the Todoza until its dissolution in 1871. He served as an instructor at the government-approved educational institution for the blind (later through the Tokyo Blind School and then the Special Needs Education School for the Blind). Although he enjoyed drinking and was free-spirited, he was blessed with an excellent voice and had a generous artistic style, gathering many students. His grandson Nakanoshima Kin'ichi inherited the leadership of the Nakanoshima school.

Also Known As Nakajima Sotarō / Nakanōshima Kengyō (中能島検校)

Composed or Arranged

Shakuhachi Compositions
Title Kanji Year Alternate Title
Uya no Tsuki 雨夜の月


Koto
Fushimi 伏見


Matsukaze (Yamada Ryū) 松風


Sarashi さらし

Bleaching Cloth - 晒
Shichi Fukujin 七福神

Seven Auspicious Gods
Uya no Tsuki 雨夜の月


Shamisen
Manzai 万歳