Eight Notable Indigenous Musical Instruments of Japan

Exploring Japan's Rich Musical Heritage: A Guide to Traditional Instruments

For centuries, traditional Japanese instruments have been an integral part of the country's cultural identity. Unfortunately, these musical treasures are often overlooked by the average person, only heard on special occasions such as traditional concerts, recitals, festivals, and seasonal events. However, their unique and captivating sounds are gaining popularity worldwide. Here is a list of some renowned traditional Japanese instruments, including engaging experiences to immerse oneself in their authentically Japanese origins.

Koto (箏)

The Koto, a harp-like instrument, boasts a rich history dating back to China during the 7th or 8th century. A traditional Koto features a long wooden main body with thirteen strings attached to it. Players use fingerpicks to pluck the strings, producing a sound akin to western harps. In Tokyo, the "Koto Experience and Live Performance at a Japanese-style House" offers a chance to learn from a master, followed by a performance for visitors to enjoy with Japanese tea and sweets.

Shamisen (三味線)

The Shamisen, famous among the traditional Japanese instruments, is believed to have originated in China as the sangen. It was introduced to Okinawa Prefecture during the late 14th or early 15th century, eventually becoming essential to the region's culture and music. The Shamisen features three strings and a body typically covered with dog or cat skin (or synthetic leather). In Tokyo, "Shamisen Experience in Asakusa" offers lessons in the history and art of playing this captivating instrument.

Biwa (琵琶)

The short-necked lute called Biwa is believed to have originated in ancient China and spread throughout Asia during the Nara period (710 - 794 AD). Renowned in the Heian period (794-1192 AD), blind Buddhist monks, or Biwa Hoshi, traveled throughout Japan, using the instrument to entertain and captivate listeners. Biwas typically have four or five strings, and the sound is produced by plucking each string with a large wooden plectrum.

Taiko (太鼓)

Dating back to the Jomon period (15,000 - 300 BC), the Taiko drum has a long and illustrious history in Japan, both as a means of communication and as a musical instrument. In traditional culture, Taiko was used during rituals and communal ceremonies. Today, the powerful sound of Taiko is a fixture of summer festivals, seasonal events, and religious events at temples and shrines across Japan. "Traditional Japanese Drum Experience in Asakusa" allows visitors to learn the intricacies of Taiko drumming, while experiencing the vibrant beats first-hand.

Shakuhachi (尺八)

The Shakuhachi, a bamboo flute, is believed to have originated in China during the late 7th century AD. The flute has five finger holes and produces varying sounds by covering the holes with fingers. Shakuhachi is often used in Zen Buddhist music and meditation.

Kokyu (胡弓)

The Kokyu, an Asian string instrument, shares a considerable resemblance with the Shamisen. However, the Kokyu is the only traditional Japanese instrument played using a bow. Horse hair traditionally makes the bow, and players hold the small instrument upright on their knees while producing clear and beautiful sounds by moving the bow across the three strings vertically.

Naruko (鳴子)

Often seen during festivals, Naruko is a simple percussion instrument once used to scare birds away from crops. Today, it is synonymous with the Yosakoi Dance Festival in Kochi Prefecture, where people hold a Naruko in each hand and swing it back and forth to create a rhythmic, clapping sound.

Kane (鉦)

The compact and ancient Kane instrument is believed to have originated in China and enjoyed numerous uses in Japanese culture, ranging from religious ceremonies to traditional festivals. This disc-shaped brass bell can produce various sounds when struck with a mallet.

These traditional Japanese instruments offer a captivating fusion of history, culture, and artistry. For those interested in Japanese culture, Japanese musical instrument tours are a fantastic way to explore the country's rich heritage and experience the authentic sounds of these remarkable instruments.

In addition to attending traditional concerts and recitals, travelers can immerse themselves in the authentically Japanese origins of renowned traditional instruments during popular experiences like the "Koto Experience and Live Performance at a Japanese-style House" in Tokyo.
Shamisen, a captivating instrument with origins in China, can be learned through experiences such as "Shamisen Experience in Asakusa" in Tokyo, which provide an immersion in the history and art of playing this instrument.
Biwa, a short-necked lute believed to have originated in ancient China, can be enjoyed through experiences like lessons on its plucking technique with large wooden plectrums, found in various Japanese-style houses across Japan.
The powerful sound of Taiko drums, dating back to the Jomon period, can be experienced first-hand through "Traditional Japanese Drum Experience in Asakusa," where visitors can learn the intricacies of Taiko drumming.
For those intrigued by Zen Buddhist music and meditation, learning to play the Shakuhachi bamboo flute, with origins in China, can be an enlightening experience in Japan's rich musical heritage.
To experience the fusion of culture, history, and artistry, Japanese musical instrument tours may be an excellent choice for those wishing to explore the country's traditional instruments like the Kokyu (an Asian string instrument) and Naruko (a percussion instrument often used in festivals), in addition to fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle in various parts of Japan.