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Music of Japan
Instruments
There are many traditional Japanese instruments that can be used for solo peices or as an ensemble, here are some of the most popular:
Shamisen
A japanese lute with only three strings
Koto
A harp like instrument ranging from 5 strings (earlier versions) to 13 strings.
Shakuhachi
A type of flute with 5 holes. This instrument was traditionally only played by Buddhist preists.
Tsutsumi or Kotsuzumi
A type of drum with two playable sides.
Taiko
A family of drums in ranging sizes, played with a bachi (stick). The daunting sounds of this instrument were often used to intimidate enemies on the battlefield.
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