Kotobu - Japanese Koto

Have you ever fallen in love with the enchanting sound of the Koto while watching Japanese animation, historical dramas, or traditional festival performances? For music lovers and culture enthusiasts outside of Japan, learning the Koto has always felt out of reach. A genuine acoustic 13-string Koto is over six feet long, heavy, expensive, and nearly impossible to transport overseas or keep in an apartment. Kotobu brings the soul, sound, and heritage of traditional Japan directly to your iPhone and iPad. Now you can play and master this iconic instrument wherever you are in the world. ---------------------------------------- AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CULTURE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ---------------------------------------- - Master-Grade Studio Audio Every string is sampled from acoustic studio recordings performed by an active Ikuta-ryu Koto Master. Experience the rich wooden timbre and traditional left-hand pitch bends ("Hanoshi" and "Honoshi") with responsive touch and haptic feedback. - Read Traditional Vertical Scores (Tatefu) You do not need prior experience with Japanese sheet music. Kotobu features an intuitive rhythm-guide mode that helps you read genuine Japanese vertical notation (Tatefu) step by step, as well as Western notation for musicians of any background. - Designed for iPhone and iPad Enjoy responsive on-the-go play on iPhone, or lay your iPad flat on a table to experience a full-width virtual soundboard that feels remarkably close to a real acoustic Koto. - Play Any Song with Custom Score Import Beyond traditional repertoire, you can create and import your own song files (.txt, .csv, .json). Arrange and play your favorite animation themes, video game soundtracks, or modern melodies with the unique resonance of Japanese Koto strings. - Dual-Device Wireless Ensemble Connect two devices over local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to split plucking and pitch-bending parts, or play duets with friends and family. - Daily Omikuji and Customization Earn Koban coins through practice and draw traditional Japanese Omikuji fortunes to customize your Koto with rare paulownia wood grains, colored silk strings, and specialized plectrums. ---------------------------------------- PLANS AND REPERTOIRE ---------------------------------------- Kotobu is free to download and explore. [Free Starter Plan includes] - 13-String Virtual Koto Free Play (Hirajoshi scale) - 3 Iconic Starter Songs: "Sakura Sakura", "Usagi", and "Hanayome Ningyo" - Dual-device local ensemble mode - Custom song creation and import (up to 3 songs) - Daily Omikuji fortune and customization shop [Kotobu Pro Membership] For enthusiasts seeking full musical depth: - Full 17-Song Classical and Folk Library (including "Kojo no Tsuki", "Akatombo", "Toryanse", "Haru no Ogawa", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and all future track releases) - Authentic Vertical Tatefu and Western 5-Line Staff Notation Modes - All Traditional Tunings: Hirajoshi, Kumoi-joshi, Nogi-joshi, and Do-Re-Mi - Practice Tools: Metronome and tempo control for steady learning - Unlimited Stamina (zero waiting time between practice sessions) - 100% Ad-Free Experience - Unlimited custom song storage - Monthly loyalty bonus of 500 Omikuji Koban coins Choose from a Yearly Plan (with a 7-day free trial), Monthly Plan, or Lifetime Pass (one-time purchase). Experience the timeless resonance of classical Japan today. Download Kotobu and start playing right from your fingertips. - Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://koto.dualvectorlabs.com/#privacy