Starting in 2026, KOKONE will be holding an experiential seminar that visualizes music.
KOKONE Event Information
25/10/14
KOKONE will be performing live at the Numazu City International Exchange Fair on January 25th, 2026.
KOKONE Live Information
25/10/14
KOKONE Latest Information
KOKONE: Ancient Sounds, Modern Sparkle
Weaving Tradition and Innovation — A New World of Wagaku
From a single string of the koto comes one note, and when notes overlap, they create a “color” that touches the heart. As the phrase “strike a chord” suggests, we wish to deliver hues that resonate deeply within each of you. Through traditional Japanese music, we aim to bring vibrancy to your daily life and business scenes.
That is the wish of KOKONE 心音.
What is the "work" of Traditional Wagaku?
KOKONE 心音 does more than give performances or lessons.
We bring the beauty of Japan’s unique music into diverse business and community contexts, contributing to society in new ways:
◉Supporting local culture and tourism promotion
◉Producing engaging promotional media combining music and video
◉International exchange programs through traditional music
◉Creative expressions via collaborations with art
◉Regional revitalization connecting nature, hometown, and people with students
These initiatives can be used in commissioned performances, events, PR, community development, and more.
Our Philosophy
While embracing Japan’s rich traditions, KOKONE 心音 is committed to conveying a fresh, expressive form of wagaku that connects freely and richly with the world. Rather than merely “preserving” tradition, we “nurture” and “evolve” it — carrying the appeal of wagaku forward into the future.
Our Activities
1.Tamamono (Saving Grace)
◉A unique teaching method inspired by the sound of the “koto-13 strings.”
◉We offer instruction that develops not only technique, but also sensibility and spirit—as a “gift” to learners.
2.Global Echoes
◉Presenting “new wagaku performances” that fuse with overseas musical cultures.
◉Crossing borders and genres, playing global music through wagaku.
3.Touch the Sound
◉Applying visualization technology to make sound “visible.”
◉Not just for listening, but as “sound art to experience,”
we challenge the fusion of music and science.
Tamamono - 賜物 -
The “Tamamono” is KOKONE’s unique teaching. Inspired by the names of the 13 strings of the koto, we pass on not only technical skill but also treasures inherent in “tradition”Japan’s history, manners, philosophy to cultivate heart and sensibility in you.
Global Echoes - 旅する和楽-
Travelling Wagaku is KOKONE’s commissioned performance service, fusing traditional Japanese instruments with foreign music and cultures, including innovations like “Koto-Harmo.”
Please enjoy a fresh journey through wagaku sounds.
Touch the Sound - 響きの杜 -
“Hibiki no Mori” is an experiential seminar letting you see wagaku sounds and feel them in your hands.
Visual ripples, soothing energy from your palms…
Be captivated by “Wagaku Cymatics ” blending the science and art of sound.
KOKONE Business Services
Our school has a 52-year history.
It began as the Watanabe Koto & Shamisen School in Numazu, blessed with views of Mount Fuji and rich seafood. In 2025, we adopted the name KOKONE / 心音 and launched new ventures—but our koto and shamisen lessons continue as always.
Our students range from age 6 to 85, including men and women, all studying shamisen and koto. They enjoy ensemble playing, improving technique, and expanding their repertoire. We invite you to try learning wagaku yourself.
KOKONE aims to share the world of wagaku with more people. Let’s enjoy wagaku together!
(Koto and shamisen instruments are provided at the studio.)
About classroom lessons
Classroom lesson fee: 5,000 yen /1 lesson
