A Japanese long zither, one of the family of East Asian zithers that includes the Chinese zheng, the Korean Kayagŭm and the Vietnamese Đàn tranh. The koto probably originated in China and was introduced to Japan around the start of the Nara period (710–84) or somewhat earlier. The term originally referred to a variety of plucked chordophones, including the Biwa. The modern instrument has 13 silk or nylon strings of equal length and thickness, stretched with equal tension over 13 movable bridges. The tuning of the strings, while always pentatonic, depends on the mode of the piece. The modern koto repertory dates from the end of the 16th century. Sōkyoku (koto music) includes song-cycles (kumiuta), instrumental pieces (shirabemono) and a form consisting of two or more song sections separated by extended instrumental interludes (tegotomono). In the jiuta ensemble, the koto joins the Shamisen (long-necked lute) and the Shakuhachi (end-blown flute). The koto is also used in the tōgaku repertory of gagaku court music. In modern Japan it is most important as a household instrument and is considered a valuable adjunct to a refined upbringing and education, although this role is rapidly being usurped by the piano.
For illustration and further discussion of the history and repertory, see Japan, §II, 4. For illustration of a koto bridge, see ..\Frames/F010119.htmlBridge, fig.1e.
W. ADRIAANSZ