• Let’s hear from our participant, Chelsea from Australia!

  2025年09月10日

  Let’s hear from our participant, Chelsea from Australia! Q : What do you think about the Koto Workshop? A : I had lots of fun, it was really good to stop walking around for a while and learn something new, and practice some traditional artwork around here. Q : Was the instruction clear and easy…続きを読む

• Learn how to pluck the koto strings!

  2025年08月25日

  Learn how to pluck the koto strings! To produce a clean sound on the koto, proper plucking technique is the key! Start by placing your thumb gently above one string (Start from string number 7). Rest the other fingers 2 or 3 strings below the thumb. Use the tsume to pluck. Begin with your thumb…続きを読む

• Learn how to put on Koto’s nails!

  2025年08月23日

  Learn how to put on Koto’s nails! First, prepare small surgical tape, and the nails (Tsume ). Start by wrapping a small piece of surgical tape around the base of your thumb. This protects your skin and helps hold the nail in place. Next, slide the tsume over your taped thumb with the nail part…続きを読む

• Did you know that Koto’s shape is inspired by a dragon?

  2025年08月20日

  Did you know that Koto’s shape is inspired by a dragon? The right end of the instrument represents the dragon’s head. Beside it is a long curve plate across the strings that symbolizes its horn. The part that extends outward, often decorated with ornaments, is called the tongue. The long wooden part of the instrument…続きを読む

• The Koto in Pop Culture: From Anime to Modern Concerts

  2025年04月14日

  The Koto in Pop Culture: From Anime to Modern Concerts The koto, Japan’s mesmerizing 13-string zither, has long been a symbol of tradition—but did you know it’s also a rising star in global pop culture? From epic anime soundtracks to viral TikTok covers, this ancient instrument is finding bold new audiences in unexpected places. Let’s explore…続きを読む

• The Koto in Modern Japan: Tradition Meets Innovation

  2025年03月30日

  The koto, Japan’s elegant 13-string zither, has resonated through the country’s history for over a millennium. Once confined to imperial courts and traditional ensembles, this iconic instrument is now experiencing a remarkable renaissance—one that honors its past while embracing bold new possibilities. From experimental jazz clubs to viral YouTube covers, the koto is proving it’s anything…続きを読む

• The Koto: Japan’s Most Elegant Musical Instrument

  2025年03月28日

  Few instruments embody the grace and refinement of Japanese culture quite like the koto (箏). With its long, polished wooden body and shimmering strings, this traditional zither has been the soundtrack to Japan’s history for over a millennium—from imperial courts to modern concert halls. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, the koto offers more than just…続きを読む

• Koto Music: The Perfect Blend of Beauty and Tradition

  2025年03月25日

  Koto Music: The Perfect Blend of Beauty and Tradition When you step into the world of koto music, you enter a realm where elegance and history intertwine. The koto (箏), Japan’s iconic 13-string zither, has been captivating listeners for over a thousand years with its delicate yet powerful sound. Whether you’re a traveler seeking authentic cultural…続きを読む

• The Soothing Sounds of the Koto: Why It Captivates Listeners

  2025年03月24日

  The Soothing Sounds of the Koto: Why It Captivates Listeners When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples, or the poignant history of Hiroshima. But there’s another aspect of Japanese culture that deserves your attention: the enchanting sounds of the koto, a…続きを読む