I like it second best after the piano. It's only natural to study a Japanese instrument in Japan, and I hope to continue playing from now on. Perhaps because the instrument is seldom seen, the children seem to be very interested indeed. At this school, the koto is used in music lessons from the third grade. Fortunately, the level of proficiency required to teach children the basics in Japanese music is not so high as to be unattainable.
Teachers appear to be looking forward to teaching kids the new subject, moreover.
Nevertheless, there are a number of problems that must be overcome. For example, the koto is quite expensive, and there is a shortage of appropriate musical scores. We must also revise the university curriculum for training teachers. Back to Main Index Edited by Japan Echo Inc. based on domestic Japanese news sources. Articles presented here are offered for reference purposes and do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Japanese Government.