Composer Miya Masaoka has started playing the "Laser Koto," a futuristic version of the traditional Japanese stringed instrument, the Koto, that's been around since the 8th century. Masaoka ...

The instrument manufacturing company Marusan Hashimoto in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, is very busy making strings for the shamisen, the koto and other instruments. Strings make sounds ...