Manufacturing process
Logs are cut twice a year, in spring through summer
and in fall through winter.
The bark being removed from felled timber.
As you can see, this process is done by hand,
one log at a time.
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.
Surface filing
Carving out the inside
Measuring the weight of each piece and making small
adjustments to file it down
Zig-zag carving
Carefully carved, leaving no point overlooked
The Hidemitsu and Toshimitsu hallmarks are the
marks of an original Mitsuya Koto article.
Heat treating the surface
The entire surface is evenly heated.
Under the hands of our skilled craftsmen,
the unique wood grain,
a Mitsuya Koto signature, is brought to the surface.
Installing parts
Installing the end caps
Installing parts Installing the decorative kashiwaba.
It is treated with lacquer.
Finishing
Installing feet
MITSUYA KOTO MADE IN JAPAN