Nitaboh

Born into poverty in northern Japan, Nitaro loses his sight as a child. The shamisen offers him a way to express himself and earn a living, and lessons from the travelling musician Tamana introduce him to a demanding musical tradition.

Rather than remain within its established limits, Nitaro searches for a sound of his own. Encounters with other performers, hardship and relentless practice shape his playing as he moves toward the forceful style that will become associated with Tsugaru.