"Koto", a traditional Japanese musical instrument with a long history

The koto was first introduced from China in the Nara period (710-794), about 1,300 years ago.

At that time, the koto was enjoyed as one of the instruments for playing Gagaku (ancient court music) by emperors and aristocrats in Kyoto, the capital of Japan at that time, for state events.

Later, the koto was fused with stringed instruments that existed in Japan and continued to develop, and in the Heian period (794-1185), it appeared in "The Tale of Genji" as a nobleman's instrument.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), the koto spread to the common people, establishing the basis of koto music as we know it today.

And in the modern age, a variety of performers have emerged, not only inheriting the traditional instrument, but also creating various performance styles, such as ensembling with orchestras and other genres of musical instruments.

The sound of the koto is filled with such Japanese history and culture.

The koto has both newness and antiquity that are not affected by trends, and this has not changed in the Heian period or in the present day.

And the music it produces is sophisticated and has many possibilities.

The experience begins with a welcome of Matcha green tea and Japanese sweets A symbol of Japanese culture

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted with "Matcha (powdered green tea) "along with delicious traditional Japanese sweets carefully made and selected by a"Urasenke" tea master, who has been involved in international projects for over 35 years with the motto "to be a bridge between Japan

and the rest of the world," and speaks English like a native, and is a "Kamakura Local", who has settled in Kamakura because of his love for Japanese culture.

Enjoying this taste of the charm of Japanese culture slowly, will relieve travel fatigue and relax your mind.

The anticipation for the experience of playing the koto, a traditional Japanese musical instrument that is the pride of Japan, will be heightened.

・The types of bowls, utensils, and Japanese sweets will change depending on the season and other factors. The pictures shown is only a sample.

A live performance of koto music right before your eyes, that brings rich scenes to mind

After the welcome, you will first listen to a live koto performance from Ms. Aya Ozaki, a celebrated master with rare and valuable qualifications and experience of both "Ikuta School Koto Master", and also the "Master Teacher of Suma Koto Preservation Society".

The tone of the well-known koto piece "Rokudan-no-shirabe" and other pieces played sometimes gently and sometimes powerfully seems to seep into your heart.

Since the performance is performed from a distance in front of you, you will be able to clearly see the details of the movement and strength of the fingers plucking the strings.

You will fully enjoy an elegant moment, immersed in the sound of Ms. Ozaki's koto in the midst of traditional Japanese architecture.

Get to know the charm of koto and its interesting historical transition

After the performance, we will hear about the interesting history and trivia of the koto, which is the transition of Japanese culture itself, and its profound charms that only only celebrated koto masters know about.

The talk will be given in an easy-to-understand language and in an enjoyable atmosphere with stories of experience, so the hurdle to traditional music will be lowered dramatically.

You will be able to feel why the koto has been loved in Japan since ancient times, when you learn the interesting story of the koto's unique development in Japan after its introduction from China, and the differences in its shape and resonance.

A rare experience to try koto playing from the basics, with direct support from a koto master

Next, the koto lesson finally begins. Let's start playing the koto right away.

You will be taught how to put on the koto nails, how to play the instrument, and how to read music sheets from the basics, so don't worry if this is your first time to play the koto.

If you are not used to it, it may be difficult to even press the strings with your hands and you may be confused about how to read music, but as the lesson progresses, you will be able to play naturally, so please take your time and try playing the strings without rushing.

As the experience is limited to 1-4 persons, please feel free to ask any questions you may have in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

The moment your hands produce the beautiful sound of the koto, your heart will skip a beat.

In the latter half of the experience, let's try to play a simple piece of music.

You will enjoy the precious moment of playing together with a professional koto player.

It is said that : " The koto is actually an easy instrument for beginners to try. It doesn't have complicated chord progressions like the guitar, so it's easy to take the first step ".

Concentrate on the sound of the strings, sharpen your senses, let Ms. Ozaki navigate your mind, and be healed by the music of Japanese culture and Japanese musical instruments.

A rare opportunity to enjoy a close-up performance of the "Suma Koto"

The"Suma Koto", as its name suggests, is a musical instrument that originated in Suma-no-Ura, a scenic area of "Hakusa Seishou (white sand and green pines)" overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in what is now Suma-ku, Kobe City.

The Suma koto is a simple instrument with only one string stretched over a single board, and is characterized by its ethereal tone.

The common name is "Ichigen-Koto" (one-stringed koto), but the name comes from a legend that the Heian-period aristocrat and poet Yukihira Ariwara, who is said to have been the model for Hikaru Genji, made it from a boat board and crown cord to comfort his lonely soul when he was exiled to Suma.

In this optional experience, You will be able to hear a live performance right in front of you by Ms. Ozaki, who is also a "Master of the Suma Koto Preservation Society".

The Suma Koto is a single-stringed koto, but it is characterized by its expressive tone.

From the echoing, dark bass notes to the sound of the waves and wind on the shore, the Suma Koto creates a variety of sounds to tell a story.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to enjoy a Suma Koto performance up close and personal.

Enjoy the whole experience in stress-free English

Limited to the WakaAn plan, all experiences, including the explanation of the pieces to be played and the experience of playing them, as well as interesting stories about the history of the koto and its playing techniques, etc., will be fully supported in English by a " Kamakura Local ", with native-like English ability, and is a lover of Japanese culture, and has been involved in international business for over 35 years with the motto "to be a bridge between Japan and overseas".

Of course, you will also receive support for all the interpretation throughout the entire experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without language barriers.

Enjoy the stress-free experience without the language barrier, that only Waka An can offer.