This is a creative instrument conceived and jointly developed by the Okinawa-based band BEGIN and Yairi Guitar as a "chanpuru" (mix) of sanshin and guitar. This is a 2004 model called "Nirai," and it is characterized by combining the advantages of both guitar and sanshin. It allows you to produce the sound of a guitar with the ease of a sanshin, and you can play chords with just one finger. This was purchased new about 5 years ago and has been used only once in a live performance, including practice. Therefore, the actual use is only a few times. A BEGIN playing tutorial video is included, but it is a VHS tape. A hard case and picks are not included.