Public Interest Incorporated Association The Japan Sankyoku Association
PIIA The Japan Sankyoku Association is a group of teachers and performers of Sankyoku, an ensemble form of Japanese traditional chamber music featuring vocals, koto (long zither), sangen (another name of shamisen, three-stringed instrument with a long fretless neck), and shakuhachi (end blown bamboo flute), with a history of over 50 years and over 5,000 members nationwide. The Association works towards more effective publicity and dissemination of the Koto, Sangen (Shamisen) and Shakuhachi and exchange between the various schools of Sankyoku. Through these efforts, the aim is to contribute to the promotion of Japanese traditional arts and the development of traditional Japanese music culture. Towards this goal the Association organizes five concert productions a year, as well as actively engaging in the training of young performers and sending instructors on school visits, to workshops and hands-on courses, etc.