琴(こと)

琴(こと) is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, often called a "Japanese harp" in English. It is one of Japan's most iconic musical instruments.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• 13 strings stretched over movable bridges (柱(じ))
• About 180 cm long, made of paulownia wood (桐(きり))
• Played by plucking with picks (爪(つめ)) on thumb, index, and middle fingers

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 琴(こと)を弾(ひ)く: to play the koto
• 琴(こと)の音色(ねいろ): the sound/tone of a koto
• 琴(こと)の演奏(えんそう): koto performance

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Strongly associated with お正月(しょうがつ) (New Year) — koto music is commonly heard in stores and on TV during the holiday season.

RELATED INSTRUMENTS:

• 三味線(しゃみせん): shamisen (3-stringed, plucked with plectrum)
• 尺八(しゃくはち): shakuhachi (bamboo flute)