kotos

The koto is a traditional Japanese plucked string instrument of the zither family. A typical instrument is long and rectangular, usually made of paulownia wood, and it can be around 1.8 meters in length. Modern kotos commonly have 13 strings, though variants with more strings exist, including 17, 20, and 25. The strings were originally made of silk; today they are usually nylon or polymer-wrapped metal. Each string rests on a movable bridge that can be repositioned to change pitch and enable different tunings.

Historically, the koto developed in Japan from Chinese zithers such as the guzheng, arriving in the first millennium CE and evolving into the 13-string form used in classical repertoire. Over time, additional strings and refined construction expanded its range. In traditional music, the koto has served both solo and ensemble roles, and it has become a symbol of Japanese instrument culture. In the 20th century, it was incorporated into contemporary compositions and film scores, broadening its audience beyond classical settings.

Playing technique centers on plucking the strings with picks worn on the right hand, typically called bachi. The left hand interacts with the strings near the bridges to bend pitch, mute sound, or produce vibrato and glissando. Players create a wide range of timbres and expressive effects by varying plucking angles, dynamics, and damping.

Kotos are taught in conservatories and schools in Japan and abroad, and they appear in traditional, modern, and experimental music contexts, reflecting the instrument’s versatility and enduring cultural presence.