In Edo period, they actively worked as professional musicians of Heikyoku (the music played on Heike biwa as accompaniment for the recitation of Heike monogatari), and sankyoku (jiuta shamisen [traditional Japanese shamisen music], koto, and Kokyu [Chinese fiddle] music) or engaged in acupuncture and massage, under protection by bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun).
江戸時代には幕府の保護のもと、平曲（平家琵琶）、三曲（地歌三味線、箏（こと）、胡弓楽）の専門音楽家として活躍したり、また人によっては鍼灸、按摩を専業とした。