Koto Youth (13-17) Workshop at Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – Toronto, Canada

Get your tickets to see Koto Youth (13-17) Workshop in Toronto, Canada. Happening on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Doors open at 10:00 AM.

What is Koto?The current 13-stringed koto is said to have originated from China during the Naraperiod (8th century) and initially found its place in gagaku performances. Introduced asone of the instruments used in aristocratic orchestral music, it began to be used intemples around the 13th century. By the 17th century, blind musician Yatsuhashi Kengyōmade modifications to koto music, evolving it into an art form accessible to a wideraudience. With the introduction of Western music to Japan during the Meiji period, fromthe 19th to the 20th century, the koto music scene was also influenced. Miyagi Michio,while deeply rooted in traditional performance, incorporated Western musical elements,establishing a new style of Japanese music. One of his masterpiece Haru no Umi, isstill often heard during the New Years celebrations.How to play the KotoThe thumb plucks the strings by pressing them from the side closer to the player towardthe opposite side. The index finger and middle finger pluck the strings from the oppositeside toward the player. Typically, the left hand presses the strings on the left side of thebridges to change the pitch.Workshop InformationThere are two classes being offered in this workshop series with the Introductory Youth (13-17) workshops being held on the same days before the Introductory Adult (18+) workshop. The Youth workshop takes place from 10am to 12pm while the Adult workshop takes place from 1pm to 3pm.Tickets will be available from here;Youth (13-17): $100 members / $120 non-membersAdults (18+): $120 members / $140 non-membersPlease Note:This class is mainly taught in Japanese, as the instructor speaks basic level English. As such basic Japanese language understanding is requiredAll Supplies/Equipment is providedno refunds/exchanges

Tickets-RSVP Link

Explore thousands of upcoming events, local tours, top restaurants, and the best places to stay in Canada. You can also check out our dedicated city guide for Brossard, Calgary, Edmonton, Mississauga, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

Ready for an unforgettable weekend? Plan your trip around our Featured Events like Super Bowl Weekend, the Phoenix Open, NBA All-Star Weekend, Mardi Gras, CIAA, and more. Click here to see all Featured Events.