J-Culture Niche Japanese Dictionary

Term

Jūshichigen

#Taisho #Showa #Modern #Music

Dialogue

AlexAlex
Sensei, I was watching this anime where a character played something that looked like a koto, but it sounded so... deep, like a bass guitar for traditional instruments! It had more strings too. What was that?
GenGen
Ah, Alex, you probably saw a Jūshichigen! The 'seventeen-string' koto. It’s like the bass hero of the koto family, giving that deep, resonant foundation. Think of it as the 'Guts' (from Berserk) of the koto world—powerful, robust, and essential for anchoring the story, or in this case, the music!
AlexAlex
Guts on a koto, I love that! So it's not the traditional one? Was it made for a specific reason? Like, did someone just wake up and decide, 'More strings!'?
GenGen
Precisely! It was pioneered by the great Michio Miyagi in the early 20th century. He was a musical innovator, much like a visionary anime director who creates a new genre. He wanted to give the koto ensemble a deeper, richer voice, something the traditional 13-string koto couldn't quite achieve. It's all about expanding the harmonic universe.
AlexAlex
That's brilliant! So it added a whole new dimension to Japanese music. It sounds like it could create incredibly rich soundscapes. I'm imagining a full orchestra of kotos now!
GenGen
Absolutely. It allows for much more complex arrangements, almost like a symphonic experience but with the unique timbre of koto. It truly opened the door for modern koto compositions and collaborations. If you want to dive in, finding some contemporary koto ensemble recordings would be a great start.
AlexAlex
I definitely want to hear more! I'm picturing it being used in epic historical dramas now. Are there any specific books or places to learn if I wanted to try picking one up?
GenGen
Indeed! Many koto schools teach Jūshichigen. For listening, look up albums by players like Michiyo Yagi or the Miyagi-kai ensemble. And if you're feeling adventurous, many music stores in Japan or online specialize in traditional instruments and can guide you. It’s a journey, like mastering a new jutsu!
GenGen
This term belongs to the #Taisho era and the #Music category . If you enjoyed this, explore other stories from the same era!
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Meaning & Background

The Jūshichigen (十七絃), meaning "seventeen strings," is a modern evolution of the traditional Japanese koto. Unlike the more common jūsan-gen (thirteen-string) koto, this instrument features 17 strings, primarily developed to extend the koto's lower register and enhance its harmonic depth. It was conceived by the visionary composer and koto player Michio Miyagi (宮城道雄, 1894–1956) around 1921, who sought to expand the expressive capabilities of Japanese traditional music and facilitate its integration with Western compositional styles. This innovative koto brought a new dimension to ensemble playing, providing a much-needed bass voice that allowed for richer harmonies and more complex arrangements. Its introduction significantly broadened the repertoire for koto music, enabling both original compositions that explore its unique sound and adaptations of pieces that benefit from its deeper range. The Jūshichigen is now a standard instrument in contemporary koto ensembles, often playing alongside the 13-string koto, contributing to a vibrant and evolving landscape of Japanese traditional music.

Bringing It Into Your Life

Engaging with the Jūshichigen can be a deeply rewarding experience, even if you're not a musician. Start by immersing yourself in its unique sound. Seek out recordings by renowned Jūshichigen players or attend live koto concerts that feature this instrument. You'll quickly notice the distinct, resonant depth it brings compared to the brighter tones of the traditional 13-string koto. It's often used to create a foundation, a powerful undercurrent that supports and enriches the entire musical tapestry. For those with a musical inclination, learning the Jūshichigen can open up a fascinating world. While it shares the basic playing techniques with the 13-string koto, its larger size and different string layout offer a fresh challenge and a unique sonic palette. There are teachers and learning resources available, often geared towards both beginners and those familiar with traditional koto. Even just appreciating its craftsmanship can be a form of engagement. Each Jūshichigen is a beautiful piece of art, a testament to generations of woodworking and instrument-making expertise. Understanding its historical development—how it expanded the possibilities of an ancient instrument—offers a profound appreciation for innovation within tradition.

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Related Tools & Books

  • Jūshichigen Instrument: The 17-string koto itself, a beautiful and resonant instrument.
  • Koto Tsume (Picks): Essential finger picks, traditionally made from ivory or plastic, for plucking the strings.
  • Sheet Music for Jūshichigen: Specialized scores often include bass clef or specific notation for its unique range.
  • Concert Recordings: Albums featuring Michio Miyagi or contemporary koto ensembles to experience its rich sound.
  • Koto Stand: A robust stand designed to support the instrument during play or display.