Photo de stock - Women playing the koto. Pacific pursuits: Postcards Japan - Life. Date Issued: 1900 - 1940 Place: s.l. Publisher: s.n. The koto ((Japanese: ?) is a traditional stringed instrument from Japan. It has a history that dates back centuries and its construction and playing technique differ from other instruments. Women have been playing the koto since the beginning and it has been popular among women of all ages in Japan since then. Many pieces of koto music exist that have been written by both men and women and passed down through generations. Women especially have used the koto as an instrument to express their emotions and feelings as it can be used for both relaxing and upbeat music. Women typically play the koto solo or alongside other traditional instruments in an ensemble. The koto continues to be a popular instrument among women in Japan, both to express themselves and for entertainment.