What is the difference between Japanese koto and Chinese koto.

The main differences between the Japanese koto and the Chinese koto are as follows:

1, the origin time is different

The origin of the Japanese koto: at the beginning of the 8th century, the thirteen-stringed koto of the Tang Dynasty of China was introduced to Japan;

The origin of the Chinese koto: in the Warring States period, which has been more than 2,500 years of history.

2, the common number of strings is different

Japanese guzheng uses thirteen strings;

Chinese guzheng is now commonly used twenty-one strings.

3, the zheng column material is different

Japanese koto's zheng column is made of tung wood;

Chinese koto's zheng column is made of Lankao tung wood, the frame is white pine, the zheng head, tail, and the surrounding side panels are made of mahogany, old mahogany (Burmese sour branch), Jinshil nanmu, zitan and other precious woods.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Japanese Koto

Baidu Encyclopedia - Guzheng