Kotsuzumi- a small drum, shaped like an hourglass, that is played with the hand while resting it on the opposite shoulder. This drum is featured in Noh theatre

Shimedaiko- a drum on a stand played with bachi* ( drumsticks ). Used in many traditional Japanese arts, including kabuki and Noh theatre. They are typically 10-12 inches round.

Shamisen- a classic japanese instrument with three strings. It is played with a bachi*, rather than being strummed. They must be taken care of extremely well, or the soft hide across the front can split rendering the instrument useless. 

Koto- a flat, long, instrument played with the fingers, like a steel guitar. A typical koto has 13 strings that are pulled tightly across moveable bridges ( ji ) which change the tune depending on where they are positioned. Three finger picks ( tsume ) are worn on the small, index, and middle fingers to pluck the strings.

Fue- a traditional Japanese flute that is made from one solid piece of bamboo.

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*Note - Bachi is a term used for both drumsticks and the plectrum used for the shamisen.

© Sofia Patterson Karyukai