Taisho Koto

Language:

English, Japanese

Grade/Age:

Primary (5-11), Middle (12-14), Secondary (15-18)

Subject:

Creative & Language Arts, Social Studies

Global Goals:

3: Good Health and Well-Being; 17: Partnership for the Goals

Registration Dates:

August 1, 2025 – September 1, 2025

Project Dates:

September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025

Facilitator(s):

Motoko Hirota, Yoshie Naya, Hideki Kaneko

Project Description:

Power of the music! This project explores the harmonies from Taisho Koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, to open the way to the future.

Taisho Koto’, the musical instrument, was invented in Japan. It has more than 100 years of history since its release. This instrument was designed to be easily played so that people who are not experienced with playing musical instruments could learn. This project began so that many people around the world could learn and enjoy music.
More than Ten years have passed since we started the Taisho Koto Project in 2009 in Canada. We have actively participated in the iEARN conferences for example, Taiwan and Argentina. And the Culture Night, too. Our project held the “Kotolympic 2016 in Niigata” in July 2016 and “Kotolympic 2018 in Niigata” in July 2018. Many iEARN teachers and students came to enjoy the events. Now, we are planning to hold the “Kotolympic 2026 in Niigata” in July 2026 to enjoy the wonderful Koto sound and sing songs with it.
We plan to host musical lessons every month by Zoom. Power of the music! This project explores the harmonies from Taisho Koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, to open the way to the future.
As we collaborate with ‘Natural Disaster Youth Summit (NDYS), we welcome not only Taisho Koto, but also any other musical instruments.

Taisho Koto, musical instrument was invented in Japan. It has more than 100 years history since its release. This instrument was designed to be easily played so that people who are not experienced with playing musical instruments could learn. This project began so that many people around the world could learn and enjoy music. More than 15 years have passed since we started the project in 2009 in Canada. In 2025, we will host
musical events by using Zoom in July.

When is the project most active?

Spring and Summer

Length of time to complete project:

3 months

Instructional time required for project:

1-2 hours per week

Facilitator country:

Japan

Will the project include a synchronous exchange?

Yes

Project Phases:

1. Sign up for a Taisho Koto Project.

2. Experience a lesson of Taisho Koto Project by Zoom.

3. Those who already have Taisho koto will learn to play the musical instrument on the internet through videos and Zoom

4. Those who do not have Taisho koto will practice music by a musical instrument such as guitar, or any other musical instruments you have.

5. Take and send a video of your performance to the Kotolympic office.

6. The Kotolympic committee will examine entries for ‘ Kotolympic’, a music competition for Taisho Koto players.

7. The Kotolympic committee will decide on the successful applicants for the scholarship.

8. Participate in “Kotolympic 2026 in Niigata” in July 2026

9. Get a musical instrument ‘Taisho Koto’ when you join the Kotolympic 2026 in Niigata. We would like you to experience the Japanese culture of daily life during your stay in Japan.

*Those who can not get a Taisho Koto scholarship can join the Kotolympic by your payment.