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 ...

Taiko is the most popular Asian instrument in America. There are more than a hundred taiko groups across the country, classes for kids and adult beginners, festivals, newsletters, even online stores.

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 ...

NAGAHAMA, Shiga -- Production of silk strings for traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and koto is at its seasonal peak in this western Japan town. At the workshop of Marusan ...

Amid cold conditions at Marusan Hashimoto Co.'s studio, silk threads are stretched between hooks on pillars and excess glue wiped off with a cloth in a process for making strings for Japanese ...