Download Kotobu - Japanese Koto App V. 1.5
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Kotobu - Japanese Koto App V. 1.5
by Alfred Kan
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Japanese traditional music with Kotobu — the most authentic and comprehensive digital 13-string Koto (箏) simulator and interactive learning app. Whether - More Info...

Available Since: 2026-09-28
Developer: Alfred Kan
Seller: Alfred Kan
Price: 0 USD
Current version: 1.5
Last Updated: 2026-10-20

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars.
Based on 2 reviews. (Rate/Review)
Genre: Education
Filesize: 98.21MB
IOS Bundle ID: com.dualvectorlabs.Kotobu
Age Rating: 4+
Languages: EN, FR, DE, IT, JA, KO, PT, ZH, ES, ZH

Videos: Kotobu - Japanese Koto App Videos

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Japanese traditional music with Kotobu — the most authentic and comprehensive digital 13-string Koto (箏) simulator and interactive learning app.

Whether you are a seasoned player looking to practice on the go, a traditional music student deciphering classical scores, or a beginner fascinated by Japanese culture, Kotobu brings the delicate resonance of the Koto right to your fingertips.

◆ AUTHENTIC SOUND & TECHNIQUES
• High-Definition Sound: Every string is sampled from a master-grade acoustic Koto with rich, natural resonance.
• Traditional Plucking (Tsume): Supports standard plucks, Sukuizume (back-plucks), Tremolo (トレモロ), Awasezume, and Uraren (裏連).
• Authentic Left-Hand Bends (Oshi-zume): Master the expressive pitch bends fundamental to Koto performance — including Hanoshi (half-step bend) and Honoshi (whole-step bend) with dedicated string push controls.
• Ikuta & Yamada Schools: Choose between Ikuta-ryu (生田流) and Yamada-ryu (山田流) playing angles and plectrum shapes.

◆ DUAL NOTATION SYSTEM
• Traditional Vertical Score (Tatefu / 縦譜): Read authentic Japanese vertical string numbers just like genuine Koto sheet music.
• Western Hybrid Score: Switch to horizontal Western notation with Do-Re-Mi / Solfège notes to help beginners and international musicians play right away.
• Smart Scrolling: Notes scroll smoothly in rhythm, making practice intuitive and fun.

◆ CLASSICAL REPERTOIRE & TUNINGS
• Traditional Tunings: Switch effortlessly between standard Hirajoshi (平調子), Kumoi-joshi (雲井調子), and Nogi-joshi (乃木調子).
• Built-In Song Library: Learn beloved classics step-by-step, including:
- Sakura Sakura (さくらさくら)
- Rokudan no Shirabe (六段の調)
- Hotaru Koi (ほたるこい)
- And many more traditional melodies!
• Practice & Scoring Modes: Practice at your own pace or challenge yourself in game mode to test your timing and technique accuracy.

◆ RICH FEATURES & TOOLS
• Pitch Calibration & Tuner: Learn how each string relates to traditional Ji (bridges) and pitch frequencies.
• Local Multiplayer Ensemble: Connect two devices over local wireless to perform duets or split right-hand / left-hand parts in real time.
• Daily Omikuji Fortune: Draw traditional Japanese fortunes every day for extra rewards and daily inspiration.
• Custom Song Import: Import your own arrangements to play and practice any song you love.

Bring the soul of classical Japan wherever you go. Download Kotobu today and begin your Koto journey!

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