When you begin learning the koto, you’ll inevitably encounter the term “ryūha” (school or style). In Japanese traditional music, a school represents more than just a performance style—it embodies a unique world with its own history, philosophy, and musical approach. Today, we’ll introduce you to the major koto schools.

What is a School (Ryūha)?

A school is a system of performance techniques, repertoire, and aesthetic values passed down from master to student through generations. Each school has its own playing methods, tuning systems, and musical repertoire. The same piece can be interpreted and performed differently depending on the school.

Major Koto Schools

1. Ikuta-ryū (Ikuta School)

Founder: Ikuta Kengyō (1655-1715) Characteristics:

• Developed mainly in the Kansai region
• Uses square-shaped tsume (plectrums)
• Emphasizes delicate and elegant tone
• Often combined with jiuta (regional songs)
• Values the harmony between voice and koto

The Ikuta school was born in Osaka and spread throughout western Japan. The use of rounded square-shaped tsume creates a soft and warm tone quality.

2. Yamada-ryū (Yamada School)

Founder: Yamada Kengyō (1757-1817) Characteristics:

• Developed in Edo (Tokyo)
• Uses round-shaped tsume
• Powerful and clear tone
• Established a unique genre called Yamada-sōkyoku
• Strong vocal elements

The Yamada school was established in late Edo period in Edo and developed mainly in the Kanto region. It features a sharp, clear tone and dynamic expression through round-shaped tsume.

3. Miyagi-ryū (Miyagi School)

Founder: Miyagi Michio (1894-1956) Characteristics:

• Pioneer of modern koto music
• Developed uniquely based on Ikuta school
• Contributed to the popularization of the 17-string koto
• Incorporated Western musical elements into innovative works
• Composed many masterpieces still widely performed today, such as “Haru no Umi” (Spring Sea)

Miyagi Michio brought fresh air to traditional koto music and, despite being blind, made significant contributions to the modernization of Japanese music as both a composer and performer.

4. Sawai Sōkyoku-in (Sawai Koto Academy)

Founder: Sawai Tadao (1937-1997) Characteristics:

• Pioneer of contemporary koto music
• Pursues the fusion of tradition and innovation
• Expands international activities
• Develops new playing techniques and expression methods
• Active collaboration with contemporary music
• Revolutionary approach that greatly expanded the possibilities of the koto

Sawai Tadao established the koto as a modern instrument while maintaining traditional techniques as a foundation. He experimented with fusion across various genres including jazz and rock, dramatically expanding the expressive range of the koto. The Sawai Koto Academy is characterized by its attitude of continuously pursuing new challenges while respecting tradition.

Comparison of Major Schools

Ikuta and Yamada Schools: Two Major Traditional Currents

The Ikuta and Yamada schools are the two major koto schools that have continued since the Edo period.

Appeal of Ikuta School: With the elegant culture of Kansai as its background, it pursues a delicate and refined tone. The close relationship with jiuta is characterized by expressions where voice and koto are unified.

Appeal of Yamada School: A powerful and clear performance style reflecting the spirit of Edo. Yamada-sōkyoku, established by Yamada Kengyō, is an art form where unique vocal elements and koto techniques are fused.

Modern Innovation: Miyagi School and Sawai Koto Academy

Miyagi School’s Contribution

Miyagi Michio promoted the modernization of koto music by incorporating Western musical elements into traditional koto music. Through the development and popularization of the 17-string koto, he greatly expanded the koto’s range and expressive power.

Sawai Koto Academy’s Innovation

Sawai Tadao completely established the koto as a contemporary instrument. Through activities transcending genre boundaries such as jazz, rock, and contemporary music, he opened up new possibilities for the koto. The Sawai Koto Academy continues to challenge the difficult theme of balancing respect for tradition with the pursuit of innovation.

Schools in the Modern Era

Today, cross-school exchanges have become active. Many performers study multiple schools or pursue free performance styles not bound by schools.

Especially in contemporary and original pieces, individual performers’ interpretations and expressive abilities are emphasized more than school differences. Contemporary approaches like those of the Sawai Koto Academy continue to inspire young generation performers.

Which School Should Beginners Choose?

Points to consider when choosing a school:

1. Consider Regional Factors If you live in Kansai, Ikuta school teachers are easier to find; in Kanto, Yamada school teachers are more common.

2. Choose by Tone Preference Listen to performances from each school and find the tone quality you prefer.

3. Choose by Musical Genre You Want to Learn

• Want to learn classical jiuta → Ikuta school
• Want to learn traditional Yamada-sōkyoku → Yamada school
• Want to focus on modern pieces → Miyagi school
• Want to challenge contemporary and original pieces → Sawai Koto Academy

4. Compatibility with Teacher More important than the school is finding a trustworthy good teacher.

5. Future Vision Consider whether you want to deeply study tradition or pursue innovative expression.

Conclusion

Each koto school is a precious cultural heritage cultivated through long history or through innovative challenges. Traditional schools like Ikuta and Yamada teach us the weight and beauty of hundreds of years of history, while modern schools like Miyagi and Sawai Koto Academy show us the new possibilities and freedom of expression for the koto.

Whichever school you choose, you can enjoy the beautiful tone and profound world of the koto. What’s important is not to be too particular about schools, but to find music that truly resonates with your heart.

At our school, under the guidance of the Sawai Koto Academy, you can learn widely from traditional techniques to contemporary expression. We provide an environment where you can cherish the beauty of classical pieces while also challenging new possibilities of the koto.

If you have questions about schools or would like to start learning the koto, please feel free to contact us.