Sho
A cluster of 17 narrow bamboo pipes (two are decorative only). A type of flute. Has reeds, and can make a variety of chords with up to six different notes. Used mainly in gagaku court music.
Length: about 50 cm. (3)

Kagura-bue, ryuteki and koma-bue
Three side-blown flutes used in gagaku. Made of bamboo. Both the exterior and interior are lacquered.
Lengths: about 45 cm (kagura-bue), 40 cm (ryuteki) and 36 cm (koma-bue). (Photo: Omori Hiroyuki)

Hora-gai
The narrow tip of a conch shell is cut off to make a wind instrument. Most have a mouthpiece. Used primarily in religious ceremonies. Sizes vary from around 20 to 50 cm. (1)

Da-daiko
Large drum used in gagaku. Decoration represents the flames of a fire.
Diameter: about 210 cm. (3)

Hichiriki
A double-reed end-blown flute used in gagaku. Made of bamboo. Both the exterior and interior are lacquered.
Length: about 18 cm. (1)

Charumera
A double-reed wooden flute used to create a Chinese mood in Kabuki plays.
Length: about 30 cm. (1)

Kotsuzumi
Two pieces of animal hide are laced to each other, with the drum barrels in between. The drum is placed at the front of the right shoulder, held by the left hand, and hit with the fingers of the right hand. During the performance, the laces are squeezed to adjust the membrane tension and change the pitch and volume. Used in Noh, Kabuki, and other traditional performing arts.
Diameter: about 20 cm. (1)