A Musical Trip in Japanese Music

    Japanese music has many different musical elements and qualities throughout its instruments and genres. Although Japanese music is quite popular around the world, specifically in anime, there are much more styles of music that Japan has to offer. Japanese music includes many distinctive qualities through its various unique instruments. Two of the instruments I want to discuss are the Koto and Shamisen.

Traditional Japanese Koto Music

    The koto is a Japanese zither instrument with 13 strings with moveable bridges (Britannica). There are also other types of koto with 7 strings called the "kin" and 6 strings called the "yamatogoto"(Shimizu). The strings are made of silk and the body is made from paulownia wood. This instrument was played using plectrums called "tsume" on three fingers in the right hand. These players are often using this instrument by kneeling or sitting. 

Japanese Koto

    Below is a traditional Japanese song called The Cherry Blossoms by Toshiko Yonekawa that includes a Japanese Koto:

Toshiko Yonekawa - The Cherry Blossoms (Sakura Sakura) - 1973, Japan

Koto's Timbre and Articulation

    The Japanese Koto is unique in that has a different timbre than most other stringed instruments. It has this dark, but smooth sound to it that makes it sound special. Some people may describe the timbre as similar to a harp and a guitar. However, once you hear this instrument, you may immediately think of Japanese culture. 

    Due to its similar playing characteristics to a harp, the koto has similar articulation with its rhythm and volume variations. This includes articulation markings like legato, staccato, accents, and much more.

Scales, Melodies, and Arpeggios

    The koto has moveable bridges that allow different tunings across the strings. This allows players to have access to different scales and chords in their songs. Therefore, the common playing style typically heard is the use of arpeggios. Most of the time, although not limited, players often arpeggiate chords to create the melody in their music. The combination of this instrument's timbre and the use of scales are what give the koto a distinctive sound.

Personal Opinion

    The construction and sounds of this instrument are what I find the most appealing. It has these melancholy and ethereal qualities to it that make it sound completely different than anything else I have heard. This instrument really portrays the traditional Japanese sound you hear all the time. However, I feel like it is sometimes overused by the media to portray Japan and its culture.

The Japanese Shamisen

    The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument with a hollow body and a fretless neck. It is played with a plectrum called "bachi" (Audio Network). The construction includes a catskin front and back with 3 strings made of silk and a curved back pegbox with side pegs (Britannica).

Japanese Shamisen (with a plectrum)

Below is a live performance song called Kodo by the Yoshida Brothers that includes two Shamisen performers:

Yoshida Brothers - Kodo - 2004, Japan

Shamisen's Percussion and Rhythmic Qualities

    The shamisen has an interesting percussion element that is caused by the plectrum. You can hear this in the song above by the Yoshida Brothers and throughout many other examples. This sound is caused by the strong attack of the plectrum hitting the strings. Players often use this to keep the tempo or to create a rhythm to their songs. It also adds another layer of dynamics.

Timbre and Articulation

    The shamisen has this banjo-like timbre with its sharp attacks and bright sounds. This instrument also has similar playing styles to a banjo or a guitar. Shamisen players often use techniques like tremolo picking, slides, accents, legato, staccato, and much more. These characteristics are what give this instrument a unique sound.

Personal Opinion

    I find the sounds and playing styles used in the shamisen extremely fascinating to watch and listen to. Upon my research, I have found many performances of this instrument and it looks really fun to play it. I enjoyed all of the subtle techniques used in this instrument and this style of music. It almost makes me want to buy one!

Sources

Audio Network. “Traditional Japanese Music: Your Complete Guide | Audio Network UK.” Audio Network, 4 May 2021, www.audionetwork.com/content/the-edit/expertise/traditional-japanese-music#:~:text=Traditional%20Japanese%20music%20is%20also.

Shimizu, Akio. “KOTO | Traditional Music Degital Library.” Www.senzoku-Online.jp, www.senzoku-online.jp/TMDL/e/01-koto.html.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Koto | Musical Instrument.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/art/koto.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Samisen | Japanese Musical Instrument.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/art/samisen.

Toshiko Yonekawa - The Cherry Blossoms (Sakura Sakura