Home - Services - Japanese Traditional Music
Our distinguised artists, proficient in all forms of Japanese art and music.
All activities are available for performances, demonstrations, workshops and lessons as well as commissioned work.
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Longer versions of these tracks can be heard on japanya.co.uk
The Instruments
Koto
a harp-like instrument whose history spans twelve centries. The six foot long wooden body has moveable bridges to facilitate turning. The strings (originally of silk) are plucked with plectrums worn on the right hand.
Shamisen
this Japanese lute has a box-shaped wooden body covered with skin, a long fretless neck, and three strings struck with a large plectrum. Traditionally the shamisen is used to accompany singing, dance and theatre.
Shakuhachi
this is the haunting, five-holed bamboo flute, still used today by Buddhist Zen monks as a meditation tool. Also popular in the part with Samurai warriors, its eerie sound is heard in both folk and classical music.