The Koto Live Performance and The Story Behind the Strings
The Koto is one of Japan's traditional instruments, known for its unique and evocative sound. You can experience a live Koto performance in an intimate, small-group setting. You will also learn about the history of the Koto and the deeper meanings behind this beautiful instrument. This session is interactive—feel free to ask the Koto performer any questions you have, whether about the instrument or anything else. The performer is a native English speaker, so communication is easy and comfortable.
Additionally, we offer an optional service where you can try playing the Koto yourself. The Koto performer will guide you in learning how to play. By the end of the session, you'll be able to perform the popular Koto piece "Sakura Sakura" and join the performer for a group ensemble.
[Time Schedule] 10 min: Koto History 15 min: Live Performance 5 min: Free Conversation 60 min: Workshop (optional)
Options
Koto Instrument Traditional Japanese Experiential Lesson
Koto workshop
What's included in The Koto Live Performance and The Story Behind the Strings
(Subject to Option Inclusions)We offer experiential lessons to learn how to play the traditional Japanese instrument, the koto. You can play a complete piece within 90 min. session. All lessons will be conducted in English. You shall be introduced to the Koto—Japan’s national musical instrument. You will briefly learn the instrument’s rich history and will get to touch and play the instrument themselves. You will be instructed in the proper manner of playing the koto—from setting up the instrument and playing with proper posture and technique, to reading koto notation. By the end of the lesson, you will have learned how to play your first koto piece: “Sakura.” [Lesson flow] 1 : Demo performance 2 : Greetings/Class Introduction 3 : Brief Koto Lecture & Video Watching 4 : Lesson Proper(Parts of the Koto, Tuning, Posture & Form, Tone, Koto Notation, etc) 5 : Sakura Performance
Inclusions
- Soda/Pop
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Koto
- Private transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- 1 : If you’re travelling by streetcar, get off at Tatemachi station. 2 : Go straight on the corner has Landmark: Tully’s coffee shop, toward YMCA. 3 : When you see the okonomiyaki restaurant, Gokku 悟空, turn right. 4 : You'll see our sign. Please proceed to the second floor.
