Koto - Japanese Instrument 1.0

The koto (箏) is distinguished as the national instrument of Japan and represents a refined heritage of traditional music. This plucked half-tube zither traces its origins to the Chinese zheng and se, sharing similarities with other regional instruments such as the Mongolian yatga, Korean gayageum and ajaeng, Vietnamese đàn tranh, Sundanese kacapi, and Kazakhstan jetigen.

The most prevalent form of the koto features 13 strings, meticulously arranged over movable bridges that facilitate precise tuning. It is noteworthy that different musical pieces may necessitate varying tuning configurations, highlighting the instrument's versatility and the skill required for its performance.

This presentation serves as a virtual interpretation of the classic Japanese stringed instrument, the koto, allowing for exploration of its unique sound and cultural significance.