Japanese Musical Instruments

Koto
The koto (Japanese: ) is a
traditional Japanese string
d musical
instrument derived
and
the Mo

e
from
the Chinese zheng,
similar
to
ngolian yatga,
the Korean gayageum,
and
the Vietnamese n tranh. The koto is the
national instrument of Japan.

The 13-string koto is one of Japans most dignified

traditional instruments. Capable of everything from
elegant, single plucked notes to aggressive glissandos, the
koto boasts a wide range of musical expressions and can add a
dash of refinement and grace to traditional Japanese music, modern
film scores, and many other genres.

Japanese Musical Instruments

SHINOBUE
The shinobue (kanji: ; also called takebue (kanji: )) in the context of
Japanese traditional arts) is a Japanese transverse flute or fue that has a high-pitched
sound. It is found in hayashi and nagauta ensembles, and plays important roles
in noh and kabuki theatre music. It is heard in Shinto music such as kagura-den and in
traditional Japanese folk songs. There are two styles: uta (song) and hayashi (festival).
The uta is properly tuned to the Western scale, and can be played in ensembles or as
a solo instrument. The hayashi is not in the correct pitch, because it is simply a piece of
hollow bamboo with holes cut into it. It emits a very high-pitched sound, and is
appropriate for the festival/folk music of Japan. Both shinobue flutes play a very
important role in the Japanese theater.

Japanese Musical Instruments

Japanese Musical Instruments