Did you know that some Japanese musical instruments are made of metal?
You may have a strong image that Japanese musical instruments are made of bamboo, wood, but some of them are made of metal.
In this article, we will explain about the shoko, a metal instrument that is rare for a Japanese musical instrument.
The shoko is a deep-dish-shaped metal instrument suspended in a wooden frame and played by striking it with a wooden bachi with a buffalo horn or other object attached to its tip.
The top of the instrument is decorated with a decoration resembling a flame.
This instrument, which produces a high, sharp metallic sound, is used to indicate a strong beat and to embellish and accentuate the sound of the drums.
The shoko is also used for different purposes: the “ooshoko” is used to accompany dances, “tsurishouko” is used for ensembles with winds and strings, and “ninaishouko” is used for performances while marching.
The shoko is the only metal instrument among the instruments used in gagaku (court music that combines music and dance).
Combined with its gorgeous appearance, it seems to be a very prominent instrument among Japanese musical instruments.
If you have a chance to listen to “Gagaku”, please try to find a shoko.
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