Fukuyama Koto

Tone, grain and gold

The koto is Japan's long zither, about 182 cm. Fukuyama koto use the finest seasoned paulownia, and makers prize three things: a fine tone, the beautiful grain of the top board, and rich decoration in maki-e and fittings. Patterns carved inside the top serve both looks and sound. Fukuyama makes about 70 percent of Japan's koto. It is made in Fukuyama in Hiroshima.

A year of drying first

• Paulownia logs are chosen and dried for about a year.
• The top board is hollowed out, the hardest step, which takes years to master.
• Patterns are carved inside, then the wood is scorched and polished.
• Decoration and maki-e are added.
• Fittings are attached and the instrument is adjusted, almost all by hand.

Music in a castle town

Koto making is said to have begun when Fukuyama Castle was built in the early Edo period. Arts flourished in castle towns, and Fukuyama's lords encouraged song and music. From the late Edo to the Meiji period, fine koto players came from the region, so demand for koto was high and making began early.