The Yoshida Brothers, Ryoichiro and Kenichi, play an ancient three-stringed instrument called a tsugaru-shamisen, which originated in China in the 16th century.

The Hokkaido natives have practically reinvented the instrument’s flinty traditional sounds with a powerful blend of rock, pop, classical and world-music styles. Listen to a sample of the duo’s music here.

Currently on tour with a new album, “Prism,” the Yoshida Brothers perform at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Triple Door. Tickets are $23; call 206-838-4333 for reservations.

“Prism” is the duo’s boldest album to date. Collaborators include California singer-songwriter Jesca hoop, who wrote the Celtic-flavored “One Long River,” and David Baerwald, who penned the whimsical “Mr. Nagano’s Foolish Proposal.”

There’s also a collaboration with Mitchell Froom (“Summer Day”), as well as additional songwriting by drummer Matt Chamberlain and vocalist Alex Greenwald (of Phantom Planet).

The new songs are combined with traditional Japanese folk songs, as well as a striking version of “The National Anthem” by Radiohead’s Kid A. Closing the album is “End of the World” from the Mark Wahlberg/ Joaquin Phoenix movie, “We Own the Right.”

All in all, it’s a pretty remarkable album that reflects the brothers’ rock-star status in Japan.