FAQ

It's a good fit if you already have paper bunkafu scores and want to practice at home with them. If you're still learning how to read a score, we'd recommend pairing it with a class or a method book — this app doesn't teach playing technique itself.

The free plan includes the score editor, practice studio, and cloud sync for your scores. You can save up to 3 scores. AI reading is 3 pages per month once you create an account — before signing up, you get 3 pages total to try it out. Upgrade to Members once you hit those limits. Exports on the free plan include a watermark, and cloud storage for recordings and videos is Members-only.

It supports bunkafu, the vertical numeric notation commonly used for shamisen. Handwritten scores, and photos with faded print or shadows, can be harder to read correctly.

The AI only gets you to a draft. Accuracy varies with the piece and the condition of the score, so always check it in the editor and by playing it back before you rely on it. We don't guarantee a perfect reading.

The web app runs in desktop, tablet, and phone browsers. An iOS app is also available for iPhone. An Android test version is open to anyone who wants to join. First join the Google group (https://groups.google.com/g/shami-early-access), then press “Become a tester” on the Google Play testing page (https://play.google.com/apps/testing/jp.shami.app) to get the app. Use the same Google account as the one you use in the Play Store on your Android device. If you are unsure, please contact hello@shami.jp.

You can cancel Members at any time and keep access until the end of the current billing period. On iOS, use App Store subscription settings. On the web, use Billing in Shami settings. We do not offer prorated refunds.

On iOS, you can view and edit scores already stored on the device and use core practice tools. AI import, catalog updates, and cloud sync require an internet connection. The web app generally requires a connection.

Scores and practice logs are stored on your device and also in Shami's cloud when cloud sync is enabled (available on the free plan too). Cloud storage for recordings and videos is Members-only — on the free plan, they stay on your device only.

For photo/PDF import, the score image or PDF is sent to Shami's processing server and an external AI provider (primarily OpenAI, with Google used for some processing; we do not currently use Anthropic). For automatic transcription from a recording, the audio or video is not sent to any external AI provider — it is processed only on Shami's own processing server (temporary files are deleted within 48 hours at the latest). In both cases, the destination is shown on screen before anything is sent. Check for names, faces, conversations, or other personal information first.

Yes. Use Delete account in Settings. Your scores, recordings, and practice logs will be deleted and cannot be restored. If you have an active subscription, cancel it first.

Only publish or share scores you own or have permission to use. Shami prevents public sharing of scores imported from paper or PDF and scores transcribed from audio or video.