[2023] 7 Recommended Accessories for Playing Japanese Musical Instruments

Japanese musical instruments such as koto, shamisen, shakuhachi and the taisho koto have been played in Japan since ancient times. The unique Japanese sound created by Japaneseculture and climate has attracted many people and is attracting worldwide attention as valuable folk instruments. For those who already play Japanese instruments or are thinking of starting to play Japanese instruments in the future, I would like to introduce some useful accessories for playing and maintenance.

1. Kameya Japanese Instrument / Comfy Chair, 3-step, Navy Blue

This chair is recommended for playing while sitting on the floor. Many pieces played on Japanese instruments take a long time to play and it is difficult for modern people, who have fewer opportunities to sit Japanese style on the floor, to maintain the correct posture for long periods of time. This seiza chair reduces knee pain and numbness in the legs even after sitting on the floor for long periods of time, allowing you to concentrate on playing your instrument. The height can be changed to three different positions, allowing you to adjust it to your body shape and clothing. Its compact size, which can be hidden in a hakama or kimono, is surely to be useful in practice and concerts.

2. Kameya Japanese Instrument / Paulownia Music Stand, for Sitting, with Transparent Engraving

This wooden music stand can be placed on the floor when playing the shamisen, koto or shakuhachi. The legs are openworked and have a calm design that blends in with Japanese musical instruments and Japanese clothing. The legs can be removed, making it convenient for carrying to practice. The natural texture of the paulownia wood will become more and more attractive as it is used, and you will be able to enjoy the natural changes it will undergo over time.

3. Yamaha / CLSL2 Cleaning Swab for Bass Clarinet

These cleaning swabs are used to wipe away moisture from the inside of the shakuhachi after playing. A gauze swab called a tsuyu-kiri (dew cutter) is commonly used for shakuhachi, but a cleaning cloth for wind instruments is also recommended. The smaller M size can be used, but the L size (for bass clarinets) is the right size to wipe off all the moisture in one go. It can be used for 1 shaku 6sun and 1 shaku 8 sun pipes as well as long pipes up to 2 shaku 1 sun pipes.

4. Kameya Japanese Instruments / Chamois Leather Polishing Cloth

Polishing cloth for cleaning koto, shamisen, shakuhachi and taiko drums. Chamois leather is said to be the highest quality material for wiping jewellery and camera lenses, but it is also suitable for cleaning musical instruments. Polishing the neck after playing the shamisen will bring out its lustre. By maintaining your precious Japanese musical instruments on a regular basis and keeping them beautiful, you will surely become more attached to them.

5. Kameya Japanese Instrument / Non-slip Rubber for Shamisen Plectrums (Transparent)

Non-slip rubber for attaching to shamisen plectrums. Some people who play Tsugaru Jamisen with great force or who have experienced the tension of a concert performance, have experienced the plectrum almost slipping due to sweaty hands from playing for long periods of time. By attaching this non-slip rubber, you can concentrate on your performance without worrying that the plectrum might slip out during your performance. The rubber is transparent, so it is not noticeable even when attached to a plectrum.

6. Suzuki / SPC-500 Taisho Harp Pick Case

This pick case for the Taisho koto can hold three picks. As well as being a case for storing and carrying picks, it can also be attached to the main body of the Taishoqin using the double-sided tape on the back. If the case is attached to the inside of the Taisho koto, you can calmly deal with a dropped pick during a performance. The cute Japanese-style design is also one of its charms.

7. Tombo / P-13A Tone Flute

This tone flute is useful for tuning the koto and shamisen (three-stringed Japanese instrument). Convenient electronic tuners have become the mainstream today, but some people in the Japanese music world still use them. I think it is important for Japanese instrumentalists to develop an ear that can distinguish the correct sound with the tone flute by relying on their own ears rather than visually. Even if you normally use an electronic tuner, it is a good idea to keep one in your instrument case as a substitute in case the batteries suddenly run out.

How was it? I hope this blog will be of some help to those who have just started playing Japanese instruments and would like to start playing them.