What is a koto? \;The koto is made of paulownia wood\, is about six feet long and ten inches wi de\, and has thirteen strings of equal size and tension. \; \;A br idge is placed under each string. \; \;Moving the bridge up or dow n results in an infinite range of tunings. \; \;The strings are pl ucked with plectra worn on the thumb\, index and middle fingers of the rig ht hand. \; \;Various modifications of sound are made by pressing or pulling the strings with the left hand. \; \;In all\, there are seventeen different playing techniques for the right hand and eight for t he left hand. \; \;The koto is of Chinese origin and was introduce d to Japan around the sixth century\, and was originally used exclusively by the Imperial Court. \; \;By the 17th century\, its use became w idespread and was enjoyed especially when accompanied by voice\, shamisen\ , or shakuhachi.
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Photo:&nbs p\;Haru
\nThe&nbs p\;Washington Toho Koto Society \;is a nonprofit group of kot o players and friends\, primarily in the Washington metropolitan area\, fo unded in 1971 by Kyoko Okamoto to promote the understanding and appreciati on of Japanese koto music. The Society participates in many national and l ocal community events\, including the Lantern Lighting Ceremony which trad itionally opens the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC ever y spring.
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