Composer Miya Masaoka has started playing the "Laser Koto," a futuristic version of the traditional Japanese stringed instrument, the Koto, that's been around since the 8th century. Masaoka outfitted ...

Concerts featuring Chinese and Japanese string instruments will be held this month and in December in Kyoto. A koto concert (www.kac.or.jp/events/8738/) will start at ...

The Japanese three-stringed musical instrument shamisen has a glorious history. Originating from the Chinese instrument sanxian, shamisen was introduced in the sixteenth century in Japan. Shamisen can ...

These tattooed badasses are not, in fact, extras from that bafflingly misguided "47 Ronin" movie. They’re the members of the newly-signed Wagakki Band, which combines the chunky guitar chords and ...

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. NMNH - Anthropology Dept.

Japan's "shamisen" industry is struggling to preserve the distinctive sound of the three-stringed instrument integral to Japanese performing arts, as it runs into issues of animal ethics and a ...