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Koto
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The koto originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the Nara period
(6th century).
First it was used as the primary instrument of gagaku, the Imperial Court
music.
However koto became very popular among wealthy people as a sign of sophistication
in the Edo period..
Koto music today became established then.
Ikuta and Yamada are very popular schools.
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| Ikuta school | The Ikuta playing style was founded by Ikuta Kengyo (1666-1716), |
The shape of the ends of picks are square |
Sit diagonally of the koto |
Yamada school |
The Yamada playing style was founded by Yamada Kengyo (1757-1817) |
The shape of the ends of picks are round |
Sit facing to the koto |
(Kengyo is the highest rank of the organization of blind musicians and masseurs)
