Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Japanese Instruments: Taiko, Shamisen, Koto & More

• Table of Contents
• Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments
• Purchase tickets for traditional Japanese performances at "Tickets in Japan"
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Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments

"Wagakki" are traditional Japanese instruments that have been around since ancient times, each with its own unique tone and history. Here we will introduce some representative Japanese instruments.

Taiko (Japanese drums)

A taiko (Japanese drum) is a percussion instrument made of leather stretched over a wooden body, which produces sound when struck with a drumstick. It is a type of membranous instrument that produces sound by vibrating the leather stretched over the body. Typical Japanese drums include the Miya-daiko (long drum, yagura-daiko) and the Oke-daiko. They have been used in a wide range of settings, including shrines, temples, and Bon Odori festivals.

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Creative Japanese drum group YAMATO

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TAO ENTERTAINMENT (Drum Tao)

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Koto

ZAKUROSHOW

The koto is a stringed instrument with 13 strings stretched across a long wooden body and played with prosthetic nails called giso (claws) placed on the fingers. The strings are stretched across the hollow body, and the pitch is adjusted by moving the pillars placed under the strings, which produce a sympathetic sound through the vibration of the strings.

Explore Koto (箏) — How It Sounds & How It’s Played

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Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument that produces sound by plucking three strings with a plectrum. The vibrations of the strings resonate with the drum-like body, creating a rich sound.

ZAKUROSHOW

Discover Shamisen — Music, Genres & How It’s Played

See More Traditional Japanese Instruments

Purchase tickets for traditional Japanese performances at "Tickets in Japan"

ZAKUROSHOW

If you want to fully enjoy traditional Japanese culture, we recommend experiencing a local traditional performance. Enjoy music and performing arts and immerse yourself in the depth of the culture. Tickets for traditional performances around Japan can be easily booked and purchased through Tickets in Japan.

Creative Japanese drum group YAMATO

Buy Traditional Performance Tickets Across Japan