Marites G. Vilela
PLJMS MindaNews 08-01
A lot of people might not know what koto is, it is the Japanese harp. It’s about 185cm and the body is made from Paulownia wood. Koto is one of the few musical instruments which have Chinese origin. Recently, it has been used as one of the main instruments of the Japanese traditional music.
Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku in cooperation with the Consular Office of Japan in Davao and three other offices hosted the first Koto concert in Mindanao. The theme of the said event is to promote Japanese culture and music among the youth in Davao City. The concert was held January 9, 2008 at the CAP Auditorium, Davao City.
Majority of the koto players were members of MKD’s Koto Club. Mrs. Kazuko Miyajima , a world renowned koto player and the club’s Koto instructor also invited four(4) guest players from Japan to join them in the concert.
We (Philajames members) were very lucky to be given the chance to watch the said concert. I’m sure everybody enjoyed listening to the music pieces they played because some can’t resist singing the lyrics of the songs. And besides, the sound of koto is so calm and solemn.
To Miyajima sensei, MKD and all Koto Club members, Congratulations and more concerts in the future so more people will get to know and appreciate the Japanese culture through music.