Manufacturing process
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_01.jpg)
Logs are cut twice a year, in spring through summer
and in fall through winter.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_02.jpg)
The bark being removed from felled timber.
As you can see, this process is done by hand,
one log at a time.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_03.jpg)
Each piece of lumber is shaped into the main koto body
(the ryuko).This is a body we produced this year.
As you can see, the wood is still white in tone.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_04.jpg)
Surface filing
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_05.jpg)
Carving out the inside
Measuring the weight of each piece and making small
adjustments to file it down
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_06.jpg)
Zig-zag carving
Carefully carved, leaving no point overlooked
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_07.jpg)
The Hidemitsu and Toshimitsu hallmarks are the
marks of an original Mitsuya Koto article.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_08.jpg)
Heat treating the surface
The entire surface is evenly heated.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_09.jpg)
Under the hands of our skilled craftsmen,
the unique wood grain,
a Mitsuya Koto signature, is brought to the surface.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_10.jpg)
Installing parts
Installing the end caps
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_11.jpg)
Installing parts Installing the decorative kashiwaba.
It is treated with lacquer.
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_12.jpg)
Finishing
Installing feet
![](http://guzheng.mitsuyakoto.com/media/wysiwyg/process/process_14.jpg)
MITSUYA KOTO MADE IN JAPAN