..Konnichiwa! Greetings, Salutations to Visitors! Welcome back to Old Friends!..


..About Japanese Koto Enthusiasts:..

In April of 2002, I fell in love with the Japanese koto after seeing Hiraoka-sensei play at a local Asian Festival in Colorado. From that day on, I started to research all I could about this zither. Being that I was an admirer of geisha for a long time as well, it seemed only right that I learn from the best and since then I have practiced my heart out. I'd love to master it someday by going to a school in Japan, it is one of my major goals(among others) in life.

Now for a little history, the Japanese koto is one of the oldest Japanese instruments and it was brought over from China around 7th century. Originally, the koto was played by blind court musicians as part of a chamber ensemble.

Typically the koto is around two meters long and has 13-strings though there is a bass koto with 17-strings which was mostly used for accompaniment but now has it's own solo pieces as well. The koto is described as a dragon stretched out along the ground and it's parts are related to the parts of the dragon such as ryuko ("dragon's tail") and ryubi ("dragon's back").

Anyway, I suppose that is it. I suggest you use google if you wish to know any more about this incredible instrument.

Have a nice day!

Mata ne,
Ku

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..Guidelines:..

1. Any Japanese koto players who wish to share their photographs with the group are welcome to upon approval. No inappropriate images. If you don't know what this entails then snatch a dictionary and educate yourself. I will not tolerate it, mild nudity in artistic photographs is accepted.


2. No spam! Come now, you know what I mean. I doubt your group will have much to do with mine. If you think it would please contact me and we can work something out together.


3. You are more then welcome to network or give notice of upcoming events involving the Japanese koto.


4. I find the best way to get respect is to give respect.


5. I would like to keep this group as PG13 as possible no excessive cussing just because there might be young eyes lurking.


I really don't see these "rules" as much to ask. I’m very flexible so just enjoy yourself. Thank you very much and welcome to the group!



(Credit: all information and images gathered from various sources around the web.)