Functional Shamisen
Description
September 4th, 2026 – Major Update
Requires Lot 51 Core Library
I created a mod for The Sims 4 that allows your Sims to play the Shamisen, a traditional Japanese musical instrument.
Sims can begin by practicing to improve their Shamisen skill, then progress to performing a variety of music, including traditional Japanese folk songs, Okinawan-style music, contemporary pieces, and written songs.
The mod also includes several performance options, such as playing for fun or inspiration, jamming, playing away negative emotions, serenading other Sims, performing lullabies, and practicing for music classes.
The latest version also adds a new “Perform in Seiza” menu. This allows Sims to sit in a traditional seiza-style position while practicing or performing the Shamisen. Seiza performances can be started either from a Shamisen in the Sim’s inventory or by clicking directly on a Shamisen placed in the world.
A custom bachi (the plectrum used to play the Shamisen) is used during performances, giving the animations a more authentic appearance.
The mod also includes integration with the Businesses & Hobbies hobby-class system, allowing the Shamisen to be used in music classes and lectures.
For those unfamiliar with the instrument, the Shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument. Its basic construction may resemble instruments such as the guitar or banjo, but it has its own distinctive playing technique and sound, and is widely used in Japanese folk music, theatrical music, and other traditional performances.
This mod was originally created with reference to JaneSimsten’s Lute mod, which provided valuable inspiration for the instrument gameplay system.
"Shamisen" ( https://skfb.ly/6WDtA) by niarax is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Songs:
伊藤ケイスケ
https://dova-s.jp/_contents/author/profile411.html
早紅夜＠津軽三味線Vtuber
https://commons.nicovideo.jp/users/226990
MOMIZizm MUSiC
https://music.storyinvention.com/