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If you've got a sharp musical ear and love great tunes, the sounds from these five traditional Japanese instruments will take your senses away to a sonic paradise!
Koto (箏 or 琴)
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The koto is nothing short of enchanting—Japan’s national instrument, this plucked zither traces its roots back to ancient Chinese instruments like the zheng.
Crafted from Paulownia wood and stretching about 180 centimeters, its standard setup includes 13 strings over movable bridges (though the grander 17-string version packs a deeper punch).
Imagine a player, fingers adorned with tsume (fingerpicks), conjuring up melodious tunes that float through the air—absolutely mesmerizing!
Shakuhachi (尺八)
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The shakuhachi offers a soulful retreat with each note!
This bamboo flute, an emblem of Zen meditation, was perfected in the 16th century. Known for its deep, resonant tones, it's a favorite among monks practicing suizen (blowing meditation). Modern variations even explore materials like ABS and anodized aluminum, but the bamboo versions still reign supreme in delivering those powerful, contemplative sounds.
Hichiriki (篳篥|筚篥)
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The hichiriki is a central piece in gagaku, the time-honored court music of Japan.
Originating in the 12th century when the allure of Chinese-style melodies started to fade, the hichiriki is celebrated for its distinctive, haunting sound. It's deeply respected in the realm of traditional Japanese music and frequently features in ceremonies, including Shinto weddings.
Biwa (琵琶)
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The biwa is the heart of Japanese narrative storytelling.
This short-necked wooden lute, with its distinctive pear-shaped body and a history steeped in the Nara period, has been the backbone of many an epic tale, including the famed The Tale of the Heike. It’s traditionally played with a bachi (plectrum), and its music is as dramatic as the stories it accompanies—truly, a portal to ancient Japan.
Shamisen (三味線)
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The shamisen (or sangen, if you will) is a three-stringed instrument derived from the Chinese sanxian and adapts its construction to suit various musical genres.
For example, the kabuki version has a narrower neck to facilitate swift, agile music, while the type used in folk music and puppet plays boasts a thicker neck for stronger, more vibrant tones—all played with a plectrum called a bachi.
Enjoying the Traditional Sounds of Japan?
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Capturing the true spirit of Japanese traditional music requires genuine instruments. For this purpose, ZenPlus serves as an invaluable resource, providing access to a wide array of authentic Japanese musical instruments from trusted local vendors.
This massive online hub has been satisfying the international shopping cravings for genuine Japanese goods, making it feel like you're shopping right in Japan!
With over 5 million Japan-made items sourced from more than 3,000 local retailers, ZenPlus offers a vast and authentic Japanese shopping experience from the comfort of your own home.
On the platform, you can find a wide array of Japanese musical instruments, along with DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, records, cassettes, videos, LDs, and other cool media!
And because Japan is a pioneer in technology and convenience, ZenPlus offers a seamless shopping experience. Simply add your desired items from Japan into one cart and click 'order.' Immediately, a team with ten years of experience at ZenPlus gets your package ready for a quick and hassle-free journey to your home—truly, this is advanced Japan at work!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
