[Japanese Style] A roundup of musical instruments long cherished in Japan
There are countless musical instruments all around the world, but when you focus on specific countries or regions, you may find there are instruments you didn’t even know existed.
Conversely, as you look into it, you might be surprised to discover, “Wait, did that instrument actually originate from that country?”
In this article, we’ll introduce traditional Japanese instruments that have long been beloved in Japan.
It’s also recommended for anyone looking for a new hobby, such as those who want to learn to play an instrument!
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[Wa] A roundup of traditional Japanese musical instruments loved since ancient times (1–10)
shō (shō; a Japanese free reed mouth organ used in gagaku)
The shō is one of the wind instruments used in gagaku, with a unique tone reminiscent of a pipe organ that many find irresistibly captivating.
It is said to have been introduced to Japan during the Nara period.
The instrument’s shape is distinctive as well, and because it resembles a phoenix resting with its wings raised, it is also called the “hōshō” (phoenix shō).
Made of bamboo, it consists of 17 slender bamboo pipes arranged in a circle.
The player covers holes in the bamboo pipes with their fingers and produces sound by inhaling and exhaling through a mouthpiece on the side.
While it takes skill to perform, simply listening to its elegant timbre can bring a sense of calm to the heart.
taishōgoto (Taisho harp)
The taishogoto is an instrument that was born in Japan during the Taisho era.
Its appearance—combining piano-like keys with strings—is unique, isn’t it? And its oriental-tinged tone is lovely.
The usual way to play is to press the keys while plucking the strings with a pick.
You can also plug it into an amp, and with a shoulder strap you can play it like a guitar.
The variety of playing styles is one of the taishogoto’s fun features.
If you’re interested in playing an uncommon instrument, be sure to check it out.
tonkori
The tonkori is a traditional musical instrument of the Ainu people.
It is a type of zither held vertically, cradled with one arm, and typically has five strings.
Unlike guitars or violins, you do not press the strings to change pitch; with a five-string tonkori, there are only five pitches available.
Although the range of pitches is limited, a wide variety of expression is possible by plucking each string or strumming them vigorously.
Many people find the clear, koto-like timbre soothing.
[Wa] A roundup of traditional Japanese instruments (11–20)
small hand drum (kotsuzumi)
The small hand drum familiar from Noh stages is often thought to be a uniquely Japanese instrument, but it’s actually said to have originated in India.
It’s a type of percussion instrument that you strike with your palm to produce sound.
That distinctive pon tone of the drum is really pleasing! It’s an instrument that has had a major influence on Japanese music and is often played together with vocal calls.
It might have an image of being very formal, but the playing method is quite simple, so the barrier to getting started is actually quite low!
binzasara (a traditional Japanese wooden percussion instrument)
Pinzasara is a percussion instrument with a unique and intriguing shape.
It consists of many thin wooden slats threaded together to form a strip.
To play it, you hold the handles at both ends and shake them together or clap the slats against each other to produce sound.
It is used in dengaku dance, folk performing arts, and kabuki hayashi (musical accompaniment).
The “Pinzasara Dance,” performed at Asakusa Shrine during the Sanja Festival using this instrument, is even registered as an intangible cultural property.
If you’re interested or curious about the pinzasara, be sure to check it out at the festival!
Paranku
Paranku refers to a percussion instrument played while dancing during Okinawa’s Eisa.
A paranku is a single-headed drum about the size of a tambourine; its wooden shell is topped with a skin that’s struck with a stick.
The back of the shell forms a donut shape with a widened rim, which is one of the paranku’s distinguishing features.
The drumhead is made of hard skin stretched under high tension, and combined with the shallow shell it produces a bright, sharp tone.
It’s an indispensable instrument for Eisa, so it’s likely very familiar to people in Okinawa!
conch shell (horagai)
The horagai is a musical instrument that was used during the Sengoku period to signal battles and boost morale.
Many people may have seen it in period dramas.
The horagai is a type of conch shell, and it’s said that shells were used as instruments in places like Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
It takes a bit of technique to produce sound, but it’s recommended for anyone who wants to play an instrument that’s a little different.
There are festivals across Japan where the horagai is used, so it might be fun to look them up and go see one!