Ikuta Kengyō

Japanese musician

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June 29, 2026

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Ikuta Kengyō was a pivotal figure in the development of Japanese koto music. He founded the Ikuta school in 1695, which remains one of the two primary schools for koto music in Japan today, alongside the Yamada school. The koto itself is a long, 13-stringed Japanese zither made of paulownia wood, played with plectrums on the right hand while the left hand can alter pitch by manipulating the strings. Ikuta Kengyō's school is known for its distinct style, with the Ikuta koto being slightly longer and narrower, producing a tone distinguishable from the Yamada school's instrument. His contributions helped shape the classical repertoire of the koto.12

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Japanese music
Schools and genres
…of Kenjun’s koto tradition was Ikuta Kengyō, who began his Ikuta school. The term kengyō had been one of the basic ranks of musicians under the guild system and so is frequently found in professional names, but the name Ikuta remained as one of the primary sources of koto music…
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…of Kenjun’s koto tradition was Ikuta Kengyō, who began his Ikuta school. The term kengyō had been one of the basic ranks of musicians under the guild system and so is frequently found in professional names, but the name Ikuta remained as one of the primary sources of koto music…
Read More