Cases for travel

To be able to travel with a tsugaru shamisen, you need a variety of cases. The main one is a hard long case that protects the instrument. But it is rather awkard and heavy to haul long distances. So, for longer trips, you need a smaller case. The small black one (on the left) can hold the shamisen after it is broken down into three parts. This is rather tricky & takes some practice. The third case (middle) is a soft case with shoulder strap which is convenient if you have to carry it for a long time. The blue and yellow case contains one of the sister's Kimonos and obis with other accessories that they need for a stage.