March 4th is Sanshin no hi (Sanshin Day). Sanshin is an Okinawan musical instrument, literally meaning "three strings." According to Wikipedia, its close resemblance to the Chinese sanxian suggests Chinese origins. In the 16th century, the sanshin reached mainland Japan and evolved into the larger shamisen. The sanshin is considered the soul of Okinawan folk music. Here's one of my favorite renditions of Toshindoi at Sunrise Restaurant. Here is also a video of Living Treasure Choichi Terukina ta