Connecting Trees and Forests to Music —Our "Mokuiku"

The Sound of the Forest in the Palm of Your Hand—Castanet Making Workshops

We hold workshops around Japan where participants make their own unique castanets from unused wood materials generated from our forestry activities and production of musical instruments like pianos, guitars, and marimbas. Anyone is welcome to join these workshops, which give participants the opportunity to experience musical instruments, wood, and their connection to the forest. With over 500 groups already participating to date, these workshops have won wide acclaim.

Some events where the workshops have been held:

Yamaha Ginza Shop events
SDGs event organized by TBS (2023)
Hamanako Flower Expo (2024)
Kitaakita City Industry Festival (2024)
Kyoto International Children's Film Festival Pre-event (2024)

Examples of wood materials used to make the castanets:

At these workshops, participants get a chance to learn about the origins of different types of wood, and what musical instruments they are used in. They choose the wood they want to use to make their own castanets based on characteristics like color, grain, and weight. Make a castanet that is visually appealing, sounds great, or reflects how you’re feeling on the day.