Fukuyama-goto (Japanese harp)[Traditional Crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry]Fukuyama Japanese Instruments Manufacturing Cooperative

In 1985, “Fukuyama-goto” was certified for the first time as an instrument as Traditional Crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.” It is said that it started production in 1619, when Mizuno Katsunari built Fukuyama Castle and now accounts for about 70% of the production of harps in Japan.
“Fukuyama-goto” uses the highest rank dried paulownia materials and it has the characteristic quantity of handwork by harp masters from around the area as elaborate craft techniques are applied. [Good sound･beautiful wood grains of the top･gorgeous decoration] are the reasons for “Fukuyama-goto” being known as the representative luxurious harp.

Fukuyama-goto

“Burning work” by Harp Master

“Uchu-goto (Space Harp) (Replica)”

Manufacturer: Ogawa Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.
Address: 3-2-8 Miyoshi-cho, Fukuyama City
TEL: (084) 924-1150This is a miniature harp “Space Harp (Replica),” produced at the request of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 2009 as an onboard gift Space Shuttle “Discovery.”
As the personal belongings brought on the Shuttle have a weight limit, etc., the length of the “Space Harp” is 350m, 1/5 of the length of 1800mm of an ordinary harp. The body is manufactured of paulownia, the same as ordinary harps, but used hard-to-break Tetoron strings so that it could be easy to play in zero gravity space and koto-ji (harp bridges) were fixed by threads to prevent scattering about.
Ms. Yamazaki who traveled on “Discovery” in 2010 said “I am personally looking forward to comparing how much the sounds will differ from here on earth” and it was actually played and sounds of “Fukuyama-goto” echoed throughout space.