Koto Lesson & Live Performance by a Celebrated Koto Player at a Japanese Instrument Store

Beautiful Koto Tones Resonate at an Established Japanese Instrument Store

Sankindo in Yokohama specializes in selling and repairing Japanese musical instruments, and also offers classes. Established in 1981 by its first owner, who was deeply passionate about koto and shamisen, the store was renovated in 2019 by the current owner. With the addition of a teahouse doubling as an event space, Sankindo has transformed into a welcoming hub where even newcomers to these instruments can feel comfortable, spreading the beauty and tradition of koto music.

Visitors can listen to powerful performances up close

Explore the charm of koto through this experience led by Mako Isogawa, a Yamada school koto player. Not just a skilled performer, she is a songwriter who clinched the top prize in the 5th Japanese Musical Instrument Songwriting Contest, endorsed by the National Federation of Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments Associations. With a history of traveling across Japan by invitation from educational institutions and community organizations, she actively nurtures the next generation of musicians.

Isogawa began playing the koto at the age of 3 under the influence of her older sister

Immerse Yourself in a Live Koto Performance and Comprehensive Course on Playing

You will start by watching Isogawa's performance. Positioned upfront, the stage offers a clear view of her precise finger movements plucking the strings. From the famous koto piece "Rokudan no Shirabe" to her original compositions, the melodies gently or vibrantly resonate, captivating your emotions. While the beautiful tones play, your imagination naturally flourishes, painting scenes of blossoming flowers, ocean waves, and various storytelling moments.

As the performance begins, the mood shifts from serene to one of dignified solemnity

Following the performance, a lecture on the history, types, and schools of koto will begin. Isogawa will share her knowledge in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner, incorporating personal experiences to make traditional music more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Explore the koto's history and structure in an easily comprehensible manner. Enhance your understanding through the combined experience of lecture and performance

The koto journeyed from China to Japan during the Nara period (710-794), and the modern koto music was shaped by musician Yatsuhashi Kengyo in the early Edo period (1603-1868). While the Ikuta school predominated in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, the Yamada school carved its own path by blending joruri (a type of narrative with shamisen accompaniment), nagauta (a type of shamisen music that developed in Edo around the beginning of the 18th century), and Noh songs—popular in Edo—to craft a distinctive style. Isogawa, sharing a smile, says, "The appeal of the Yamada style lies in its pursuit of pure tonal beauty. I wish everyone could experience the joy I feel when I play."

Plucking the Strings to Find a Tone Only You Can Produce

The koto lesson kicks off. Seated before the instrument with a koto pick in hand, there is a hint of nerves. Yet, as the strings are plucked a few times, the tones gradually round out, drawing an instant fascination. "A skilled player can convey profound emotions with just one note and weave an epic tale for the listener," says Isogawa.

Sankindo's atmospheric storefront brings vibrant charm to Hakuraku's streetscape

The key is to engage your entire body, not just your fingertips, when moving your fingers from string to string. Isogawa, both an instructor and performer, imparts not just the fundamentals of koto but also the delight of connecting with the instrument. "The koto is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Unlike the guitar with complex chord progressions, it's easy to take those initial steps," she says. Let the string vibrations soothe you as you explore a tone uniquely your own.

Lessons are held surrounded by many Japanese instruments. Feel the strings' vibrations and the gentle swaying directly resonating through your body

The koto is also often accompanied by singing. In the next step, you will practice well-known Japanese tunes like "Sakura Sakura." Once you are comfortable, you will try playing while humming along. By channeling your voice from your core, your body relaxes, leading to a soothing state. The harmonizing voices and the instrument's sound intertwine, creating a feeling of unity between you and the koto.

Take your time and go at your own pace," says Isogawa

Indulge in Sankindo’s Special Inari Sushi after the Lesson

Following the lesson, indulge in Sankin Inari Sushi, a type of sushi where vinegared rice is wrapped in fried bean curd made of Japanese whole soybeans boiled in sweet and salty sauce. Normally available only on Fridays and Saturdays, it is specially prepared for this experience at the adjacent Sankin Chaya. Presented in three flavors—plain, yuzu, and seaweed—the fried tofu flavored with dashi (soup stock made from only natural ingredients: dried bonito flakes, dried kelp, shiitake mushroom powder, and dried sardine powder) offers a soft, fluffy texture with each bite. As you savor the inari sushi and reflect on the koto lesson, it is a moment of pure bliss.

Sankin Chaya's signature creation, inspired by a commitment to honor Japanese culture

Exploring Traditional Music: A Journey of Emotions and Life's Nuances

As you explore the koto at Sankindo, guided by Isogawa, you will draw closer to the essence of traditional Japanese music. Within each note of koto music lies a multitude of emotions and untold stories. Come explore the profound world of koto music, letting the strings' vibrations and tones soothe your body and soul.

Isogawa's passionate sharing will ignite your curiosity for koto music