Database: Biwa

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Originating from Central Asia and Persia, the biwa is a type of short-necked lute that was introduced to Japan by way of China in the late 7th century or early 8th century. It is an instrument with four strings (or, on rare occasions, five strings) that the musician strikes or plucks with a wooden plectrum. Its sound box is thin, flat, and shallow. The neck has four, sometimes five, high and nonremovable frets. The head is bent backwards at right angle to the neck.

In ancient Japan, the biwa was used as an instrument in the imperial court for playing music called gagaku. The instrument was played by aristocrats, some of whom were considered virtuosos. The biwa was also used by the itinerant blind monks, known as biwa hōshi, who recited the Heike monogatari ("The Tale of the Heike") while accompanied by this instrument. Like the aoidos (Greek bards) who recited the Iliad and the Odyssey, the biwa hōshi traveled the country, telling the epic tale. They wore high wooden clogs, carried a walking stick, and were accompanied by a young monk. The Heike narrates the deeds of warriors during battles of the late 12th century, offering an occasion to recall the deceased during troubled times and to describe their glories and failures.