Tradition Japanese music consists of many instruments.
The Shamisen is a string instrument, kind of like a guitar with a thinner neck. It is played by plucking, like a cello or base.
A koto is another instrument played by plucking the strings. It was developed from a Chinese instrument. It has 13 strings, and has an adjustable scale. It also has a wooden fingerboard.
Information provided by http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/