New Year’s Koto and Kimono
Posted by: kirin on 
Jan 5th, 2012 | 
Filed under: Rambling
Happy New Year!! 
I hope you had a wonderful beginning of year 2012. It was shocking that we had an earthquake on the very 1st day of 2012 but that one itself was not devastating. However, much caution does no harm. We have to be prepared all the time as long as we live in Japan. Earthquakes can occur at any place, and any time. >_<
As I promised in my last post, I'd like to share with you my koto video I especially made for you to celebrate 2012!
Hope you enjoy it. (I cut and pasted from time to time because I thought it might be too long and that could be boring to you. ^ ^ So the video does not show the whole music of “Rokudan no shirabe”.)
I’m not supposed to wear an everyday’s kimono in New Year since it’s considered a festive period, but the thing is I didn’t bring back any kimono from my grandmother’s place and the one in the video and the picture is the only thing I have at a moment in my house. It’s not easy to take care of kimono. In my small apartment, there’s no room to place a chest of drawers made of paulownia wood that is especially designed to store kimono. I will eventually ask my father to keep this kimono at his place. (This problem will not be solved unless I move to a bigger house or end up with polyester kimono, forgetting about all the silk ones my father and my grandmother keep. 
)
Let me tell you more. ^_^ Pi-chan (right bottom of the picture) seemed to be scared of the live koto sound. She started to make some noise and apparently she looked uncomfortable with my play. lol
It’s how I placed my koto in a small living room. ^ ^;; The toys and futon on the floor belong to Pi-chan.
BTW, this is the music note. It’s written in kanji, from top to bottom, right to left. I can’t read the one in western way.
Koto and Shamisen are the only musical instruments I can play because I started to learn how to play koto at 5 and shamisen at 13. I don’t know how to play any other musical instruments. I feel koto is much more familiar to me than shamisen, because I quit both at 13 or 14. My mother was very serious as she wanted me to be a professional koto or shamisen player to make “her dream” come true.
I totally lost my childhood for practicing koto everyday. I didn’t play with friends a lot then because I had to practice it more than anything. My day ended with koto and homework. I didn’t like that. That’s the reason I completely stopped it before I turned 14. Since then, I didn’t even want to touch my koto and shamisen, until I made this video.
Then what happened? That koto video I made for the first time was so casual, I didn’t practice it well before I made it. It was kind of a “give it a try” video. Much to my surprise, that video has been viewed most frequently next to my Decotti video, and when it comes to the number of comments, it’s got way more comments than any other videos that I’ve made so far. (0w0)!!
Unfortunately koto has never been popular in Japan since I was a kid. My friends from elementary school always asked me why I was learning such a “out-of-date” musical instrument when most of all the other girls were learning how to play piano. It’s always only a few days in New Year when we hear koto music on at stores in Japan. It’s a Japanese traditional musical instrument but is disappearing from our spirit. Our life style has been so much westernized. (I like that way though. I cannot wear a kimono everyday and I prefer western inspired food to Japanese food.)
It might be my Youtube viewers that made me realize that it’s nice that I can play koto. But it took me a while until I truly feel like playing it again with pleasure from the bottom of my heart. My memory with koto has not been so nice, because it’s linked to my bitter days of practice, after practice, sacrificing my childhood, freedom, all the other kind of possibilities, and etc.
Nowadays koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi shops in Japan are decreasing. I luckily found one in Yokohama. I’ve renewed my Tsume (pick) and bought some tools at this store.
It’s quite interesting I finally truly feel like playing koto again. 
It must be one of the most wonderful gifts I get from TKE, besides all the wonderful friends I made through it. Thank you for reading TKE and keeping in touch with me. I hope you still enjoy TKE blog!
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January 5th, 2012 at 11:38 am
wow that was really beautiful! perfect! =D
January 5th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Oh, wow! I'm so impressed by your Koto performance, Kirin. Great job, and keep it up, please! ^_^ Koto music is so sweet.
I love playing music too, and that's why the music drew my attention a lot and I watched the whole video with a great joy!
Also, it's so interesting to know that there're musical notes written in Kanji.
I play the keyboard (and sometimes the piano and used to play the accordion in school) by ear, and I don't how to read the Western muscial notes, but just having general information about it. I need to take profound courses in playing the piano in particular and in reading the musical notes because I believe playing by ear is not enough.
I think the matter of loving to learn a traditional music or not is based on a person's own taste. In Egypt, many people still learn how to play Arabic instruments like Oud and Qanun, and others learn playing Western ones. Saying that I want to take piano lessons doesn't mean that I hate Oud or Qanun. I love listening to Oud and Kanoon music (especially Qanun) very much, but I don't feel like learning how to play it. It's just a matter of taste.
January 5th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your video playing koto. Such an amazing sound. It literally enchants me. As I don't have notions regarding koto playing, I can't judge how you were doing, so I didn't take your apology ^^;, because, to me, you were doing it so perfectly <3 Like velvet to my ears!
I am sorry that koto brings you back bad memories, but I understand it, because nowadays it is happening to me somehow with my university studies. I am having so hard years, not doing anything but studying, that I am scared of hating both the university and the city where I am living due to the suffering they involve.
It's a pity young people consider it out-of-date music. I think it provides the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard, so thank you again for sharing Kirin <3 And the picture of it it's beautiful! Aww, I am sorry because I may sound silly, but this is the kind of things from your culture that I love the most.
January 6th, 2012 at 12:17 am
Hi Kirin – I so much enjoyed this post and the video! Really cool! And you look so pretty in the kimono – very pretty kimono. I could related to what you said about being forced to practice when you were little because my mother made me start piano lessons when I was sic – and for a similar reason – she thought it was so important to be able to play an instrument – but I hated every minute – having to take lessons and having to practice- Iplayed on an off for years and then finally gave it up. Thank you so much, though, for taking the time to make such a video – really wonderful!
January 6th, 2012 at 1:04 am
That sounds nice. I really like the sound of traditional Japanese instruments. Someday I would like to learn how to play the shamisen, but unfortunately I'm not a musical person. I don't know how to read music written in Western style either. I had a bad experience trying to learn to play an instrument in my elementary school, too. Maybe I can still learn though!
January 6th, 2012 at 1:26 am
Thank you, natalia. ^ ^
January 6th, 2012 at 1:30 am
Thank you, Salma. ^ ^
When I was younger, I didn't like koto so much. I wished so much that it was much better if my parents taught me how to play piano instead of koto. But now, I feel it was good that I learned how to play koto because it's very unique even in Japan!
The other day my friend stayed over at my apartment and I played koto then. She (a Japanese girl) said it's the very very first time to listen to a live koto music! Of course, you will hardly be able to find someone who can play it in Japan. ^ ^;;
January 6th, 2012 at 1:35 am
Hi Laura!
Thank you for your sweet message! ^ ^
You may have bitter memory with your university and these years for a while, but much later you will for sure appreciate what you've experienced then. I think no experience can be a waste after all. Some experience look very negative for now, but 5 years later, when you look back, you may realize "Oh, I wouldn't have started this without that experience!"…you know something like this.
January 6th, 2012 at 1:40 am
Hi Sedonia!
Thank you for your comment, as always, and it was interesting to hear that you had a similar experience with piano. My mother however kept me saying "I believe you will start playing koto again someday, no matter how much you hate it now." I was saying "Oh, come on! No way!" for years but then her "prediction" was true. I don't have a grudge or bitterness or negative thought at all now. I'm completely free from those now.
Interesting, huh?
January 6th, 2012 at 1:43 am
Yes, I think you can always start learning something, no matter how old you are! I wish to learn how to play other musical instruments too when I have more free time. Playing music gives me some feeling or thought that I don't usually have. When I was a kid, playing koto was an everyday thing just like brushing teeth (lol) but since I quit it at 13 or 14, I've spent years without playing music. So I guess I've lost that "sense". It's nice to have music in life. ^ ^
January 6th, 2012 at 1:46 am
Yes – I meant to say that to you and forgot – I was touched by what you said about making sure you went back to it from your heart. That's what I've had to look at with the piano – whether it was really in my heart and I came to the conclusion that what had been in my heart was I had to please my parents. Now, later in life, I sit down once in a while, but I'm seeing that it's not really in my heart otherwise I'd do it. Writing is in my heart for example and the books pour out of me!
I am enjoying learning all these things about you and your life!
January 6th, 2012 at 2:48 am
When I quit koto at 13 or 14, I did that because I noticed I didn't enjoy it by myself but I was doing it for my mother's sake. I realized I did it to please my mom. I was believed that I wanted to become a koto player in the future then but that was not what I wanted in my heart.
Nearly 25 years have passed since then. And now I honestly enjoy playing it in my heart. I wish to learn it again with a proper teacher, but no, this time I will do it with a different approach.
Same as you, writing is in my heart always. I love writing, and I like reading as well. So I think it's so cool you make a living from your writing. I'm very proud of you!
January 6th, 2012 at 3:10 am
Happy New Year! I wish 2012 will a good year for everyone, and Kirin especially! ^^
Kirin, thank you for playing koto. I enjoyed listening to authentic sounds and gentle music.
January 6th, 2012 at 8:28 am
Beautiful and Tranquil piece. Blow kissess to you !!
I wish I could watch you play too.
I love Koto or even zither sound. They have really beautiful tune.
You look graceful in Kimono.
January 6th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Great job!! I've always loved traditional musical instruments, and I feel that, the tune, is has a very nice feeling to it!
Thanks for sharing!! It's a wonderful experience! (≧◡≦)
January 7th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Dear Kirin,
I hope U are very fine and all your loves ones also
Yapiiiii…You are a star in playing the music of Koto.
I haven't heard about this kind of music before. I really like it ! it is a great music
Thanks to you about this helpful and great post. And thanks for the beautiful video. Thanks so much, Kirin!
This is the first time , I hear this nice and awsome music '' Koto''. I like the name of this music too.
Anyway, You are really an artist of the music of Koto. Sure, I m from your fans
Thanks for everything
Have a nice day
January 7th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Really wonderful! Thank you for sharing! You don’t see this kind of talent every day! Keep up the good work! (your English is really good)
January 8th, 2012 at 1:17 am
Thank you, nao. ^_^
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2012!
January 8th, 2012 at 1:20 am
Thank you, Shimin.
I'm glad that tune brought you some nice feelings. ^ ^
January 8th, 2012 at 1:24 am
Hi Sanaa. ^ ^
I'm glad you liked the music. It's a traditional Japanese musical instrument but nowadays most of Japanese people don't know how to play it. Since my mom was able to play it (she passed away) she taught me how to play it when I was 5 and I also learned it from a professional koto player and teacher til I became 13 or 14. It's been a long absence without playing it properly but in my childhood I practiced it very heavily and my body already remembers it very well in spite of years of blank.
Now I truly enjoy playing koto, and I wish to create more different videos in the future.
January 8th, 2012 at 1:27 am
Thank you, Kat. ^ ^
It's true, even in Japan where this musical instrument was created, it's pretty rare nowadays to see people play koto.
January 8th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
"It was shocking that we had an earthquake on the very 1st day of 2012…" Yeap, it was… I was like OMG!! Anyway, this video is wonderful… I love the sound… it's like a magic sound. You look cute in kimono Kirin. Thank you for sharing! Saludos!! ^^
January 8th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Hi Kirin!
You look great in the kimono!
And i enjoyed the piece you played on your koto!!
Happy new year to you and your family and Pi-chan! All the best in the new year!!
January 9th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Hi there. Happy new year. My best wishes for all of you.
Beautiful Kimono
I didn't know if you were Japanese or Occidental o.0 , but now with the Kimono you are absolutely Japanese ^_^
Wow that music scores are really crazy for me!!! They look so hard to read…
I know how to read occidental (naturally), and here you can see some scores for occidental medieval music, with modern notation, ancient notation, and also how they sound: (it's in French and English). I hope you enjoy it.
http://arenai.free.fr/Database.htm
I know how to read the ancient scores, but I find it easier than your JP scores!!!!
One question: how much 円 or € does a Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi costs?
I know Shakuhachi is really expensive, but Shamisen and Koto I couldn't found a correct price in Internet.
In the other hand, why you say you prefer western clothes and food? I really can't understand, at least from my point of view.
I find logical that you hate or don't like to pay Koto. I have some similar feelings to the violin: when I was 7 I was forced to play violin and I was playing it while watching other boys and girls playing football in the street. Now, with almost 29 years I don't play it much (also because lack of time too), only practice in time to time so I don't forget how to do play it. But still, I think that I also love playing it because I can express myself, relax and improvise different melodies. I know I lost a lot of playing-time in the street, but I won something that is way better than this and something that I can keep with me even when I become older, but street playing is just something in the past that is not that much important.
Also, as I wrote you in the e-mail i sent you, I'm crafting a medieval instrument that is far more uncommon or even completely unknown to all people, more than the Koto there in JP (Organistrum, it's called, for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about). But I don't mind what people could say like "Oh … it's so ancient that it's weird" (my cousin already told me that). No because such pieces of ancient times are the pieces of our culture and our identity that would be a shame to lose.
A video about a "Zanfoña" another ancient medieval instrument in Europe:, that is far more known today than the Organistrum. It's comes from the Organistrum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U99CaIIK_58
Enjoy (I'm not the guy in the video)
Your next video: playing Shamisen like this boy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWJrMA3zJ5o
Thanks for sharing. Bye.
January 9th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
wow!!!
you look so very nice in that kimono….
not to go off track, but this is why i like traditional clothing in every culture (not just Japan)..
When we all wear jeans and shirt or suit and tie we all start to look the same and that is so boring…
I saw a travel show on Nigeria, and their traditional costume was so beautiful and individualized…..
So kirin seeing you in you kimono was very refreshing =}
By the way you are so brave for doing the videos, just opening up your life for us to learn from you..
Thank you very much and have a nice day….
January 10th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Thank you. I like you described it as "A magic sound". ^ ^
I'm glad you liked it. ^ ^
January 10th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Hi Jun, Happy New Year~~!!
Thank you for your new year wishes for my family. ^_^
January 10th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Happy New Year, Alberto.
Yes, I'm 100% pure Japanese, who was born from Japanese parents in Japan, being raised, educated and has been living in Japan except for 1 year in the U.S and another 1 year in Australia. ^ ^;;
The price of these musical instruments vary from around 50,000yen to a few million yen.
Kimono costs too much money for cleaning and maintenance. Also I cannot move as freely as I'm dressed in western clothes. That's why kimono is not an everyday clothes to me. As for western food, that's personal preferences. I like cheese a lot more than tofu. I wish I liked tofu more because it's healthy and we can buy it cheaper here in Japan, but I like cheese. I also like pasta more than soba. But I also try to eat soba sometimes, and try NOT to eat pasta because it'll make me fat. I only wish if I liked Japanese food more, but I don't feel so naturally. So it's just a personal preference that doesn't need any reason.
I'll read your email later. Thanks!
Oh, my Shamisen is not that good. >_< Actually the string was damaged when I saw it last time, so it must be repaired first.
January 17th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Sugoi! I want to see more ! I could listen to you play for hours. Arigatou gozaimasu !
January 18th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Thank you, Walter!
I hope to make more koto videos in the future. ^ ^;;
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