# BEGIN's Uta San-Shin

> Interactive San-Shin instrument simulator with guided play and singing modes. (iPhone/iPad app by transcosmos inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begins-uta-san-shin/id417351259 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [transcosmos inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/300395339)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 77 MB
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Released: 2011-02-15
- Data updated: 2026-07-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begins-uta-san-shin/id417351259/reviews.md

## What is BEGIN's Uta San?

"BEGIN's Uta San-Shin," is an application for everyone to enjoy easily playing songs with the Okinawan band, BEGIN, on the Okinawan instrument, the San-Shin.
Because the San-Shin is fretless, if the player doesn't press the stings at exactly the right place, beautiful melodies won't emerge from the instrument.  The right positions are known as, "Kan-Dokoro."  These, "Kan-Dokoro," are shown through a score of Chinese characters known as, "Kun-Kun-Shi,"  which is displayed on the left side of the app to allow the player to easily master the basics of the game.
In Free-Play mode, while pressing the Kan-Dokoro and stroking the tap area, the user can experience the feel of truly playing the San-Shin with this app.
Furthermore, in Singing-San-Shin mode, along with the Kan-Dokoro appear original Japanese lyrics, so the player can sing while playing!
Because the tempo and key can be adjusted to the player's level, everyone can eventually master the San-Shin.  When the player can stroke at the same speed as the members of BEGIN, they've become a master!
Additionally in the, "Ai no Te," corner, BEGIN's music includes both, "Ai no Te," and, "Yubi-Bue," indispensable parts of Okinawan music.  Press, swing, and rock out!
For all lover's of Okinawa, this is an app for anyone to enjoy learning the San-Shin, or just having a great time while drinking with friends.

*All sampling was performed by BEGIN.

Songs included in Version 1.5.0:
○Usagi to Kame
○Urashima Taro
○Tinsagu no hana
○Kankara San-shin umushirumun
○Nada sousou
○Shimanchu no takara
○Pamaya Yunta
○Sanshin no Hana
○Irayoi Tsukiyohama
○Taketomijima de Aimasyou (Ver 1.3.0)
○Ojii jiman no Orion beer (Ver 1.3.0)
○Kariyushi no yoru (Ver 1.4.0)
○Uruma Melody (Ver 1.5.0)
○Umi no Koe (Ver 1.5.0)

Singing-San-Shin Menu
---------------------------------

[Singing-San-Shin Mode]
In Singing-San-Shin mode, lyrics appear with the Kan-Dokoro.  Learn the San-Shin while singing!

[Role-Model Mode]
Automatically plays along with the Kun-Kun-Shi score.  The recommended tempo is displayed in the lower left part of the screen, the tempo can be adjusted in the settings, and memorize at your own pace. 

[Practice Mode]
The Kan-Dokoro light up, press them while playing.
*If the correct Kan-Dokoro aren't pressed, the next Kan-Dokoro won't be displayed.

[Challenge Mode]
The Kun-Kun-Shi score scrolls along the tempo set in the settings while the Kan-Dokoro light up.  Try to play along with the tempo!

[BEGIN Sessions]
Bring it all together!  Play along with BEGIN's original songs.
*Tempo and key adjusts automatically to these original songs. 

Free-Play Mode
----------------------
In Free-Play Mode, press Kan-Dokoro and play like a real San-Shin.

Ai no Te
-----------
The band BEGIN's original Ai no Te, swing your i-phone while using your favourite Ai no Te!

## Key features

- Interactive San-Shin simulation
- Guided finger position display (Kun-Kun-Shi)
- Singing mode with lyrics
- Adjustable tempo and key
- Free-play mode
- Ai no Te and Yubi-Bue effects


## Frequently asked questions about BEGIN's Uta San

### What is BEGIN's Uta San-Shin?

BEGIN's Uta San-Shin is a music application designed to help users learn and play the San-Shin, an Okinawan instrument. It features guided play modes, lyrics for singing along, and the ability to adjust tempo and key.

### How does BEGIN's Uta San-Shin teach San-Shin playing?

The app uses a system called 'Kun-Kun-Shi' to display the correct finger positions ('Kan-Dokoro') on the San-Shin. It also offers modes like Practice Mode and Challenge Mode to help users master the instrument.

### Can I sing along while playing with BEGIN's Uta San-Shin?

Yes, the 'Singing-San-Shin' mode displays original Japanese lyrics alongside the 'Kan-Dokoro' prompts, allowing users to sing while playing the San-Shin.

### What songs are included in BEGIN's Uta San-Shin?

The app includes a variety of songs, such as 'Usagi to Kame', 'Urashima Taro', 'Nada sousou', and 'Shimanchu no takara'. Newer versions also feature songs like 'Uruma Melody' and 'Umi no Koe'.

### Is BEGIN's Uta San-Shin suitable for beginners?

Yes, the app is designed for everyone to enjoy. The tempo and key can be adjusted to the player's level, making it accessible for beginners to master the San-Shin.

### What devices does BEGIN's Uta San-Shin support?

BEGIN's Uta San-Shin is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is rated for ages 4 and up.

### How often is BEGIN's Uta San-Shin updated?

The app was last updated on November 7, 2015, with version 1.5.0. Previous updates, such as version 1.3.0 and 1.4.0, introduced new songs and features.

### What is the price of BEGIN's Uta San-Shin?

BEGIN's Uta San-Shin is a paid application, available for $1.99. It does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.5.0 — 2015-11-07

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

The score "Umi no Koe" and "Uruma Melody" were added.

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All apps by transcosmos inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/300395339

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-10.*