Oh no… somebody turned Luna into a shamisen.
The opening song to an anime can really set the tone of the show. Take Sailor Moon for example. From the first time you hear the show’s classic theme song, you instantly know you’re in for something fun, filled with adventure, and maybe even a bit magical. However, if you were to have expert wagakki (traditional Japanese instrument) musicians perform it, it would feel much different. In fact, as the video below shows, this results in the song turning into something fit for a series about a group of magical geisha battling evil spirits during Japan’s sengoku jidai (warring states period).
In case you’re wondering who is responsible for this incredible interpretation of “Moonlight Densetsu,” that would be master shamisen player Nami Kineie. On her YouTube channel you can find plenty of other great videos and even a couple others that might be of interest to anime fans. For example, below is a breath-taking interpretation of that classic Hatsune Miku song “Senbonzaakura.” This is easily one of the best covers of that song and a large part of this is the singing. It’ll make you go crazy for “Senbonzakura” all over again.
And if you still want more, then check out this great cover of yet another song beloved by many anime fans and otaku, “Bad Apple.” This one too is not to be missed.
To listen to more of Kineie’s impressive work, check out her YouTube channel here. Although she does not upload videos all that regularly, she has plenty there to keep you entertained for quite a while.
Source: Kineie Nami YouTube
Image: セーラームーン SAILORMOON ムーンライト伝説 on Japanese Traditional instruments (Kineie Nami YouTube)
