Washington Toho Koto Society at Brentwood Arts Exchange Listening Room

The Washington Toho Koto Society is a nonprofit group of Koto players and friends, primarily in the Washington metropolitan area, founded in 1971 by Kyoko Okamoto to promote the understanding and appreciation of Japanese Koto music. The koto is of Chinese origin and was introduced to Japan around the sixth century, and was originally used exclusively by the Imperial Court. By the 17th century, its use became widespread and was enjoyed especially when accompanied by voice, shamisen, or shakuhachi. The koto is made of Paulownia wood, is about six feet long and ten inches wide, and has thirteen strings of equal size and tension...

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The Washington Toho Koto Society is a nonprofit group of Koto players and friends, primarily in the Washington metropolitan area, founded in 1971 by Kyoko Okamoto to promote the understanding and appreciation of Japanese Koto music. The koto is of Chinese origin and was introduced to Japan around the sixth century, and was originally used exclusively by the Imperial Court. By the 17th century, its use became widespread and was enjoyed especially when accompanied by voice, shamisen, or shakuhachi. The koto is made of Paulownia wood, is about six feet long and ten inches wide, and has thirteen strings of equal size and tension. A bridge is placed under each string.

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