When Mrs. Ehara returned to Japan, Okamoto was determined to continue koto instruction in the Washington, D.C. area and began teaching eight students. They formed the Washington Koto Society, which eventually became the Washington Toho Koto Society.

“The inspiration for the Washington Toho Koto Society is embodied in its bylaws,” says Okamoto, “Namely, ‘… to stimulate, cultivate, and propagate the study and enjoyment of the koto, and to help promote better Japanese- American relations by giving concerts of koto music and working with Western musicians to acquaint the American public with Japanese music.’”

Growing popularity
Word of the unique music Okamoto and her students were creating quickly spread. The Washington Toho Koto Society was asked to play at numerous local events for schools, churches, and festivals. The original group of eight quickly grew to a membership that today includes more than 100 members with chapters in Virginia Beach, Va., and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Since its inception the society has performed at the Japanese Embassy (for the Emperor and Empress of Japan), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Each spring the society, along with 20 students, hosts its annual concert of koto music at the Gildenhorn Recital Hall at the University of Maryland, which is free and open to the public.

“Cherry blossom time (late March to early April), is the busiest time of the year for the society,” says Okamoto. “We are called upon to perform at numerous National Cherry Blossom Festival events [several times a week] and at other international events.”

To prepare for these, and all the society’s performances, the group gets together anywhere from one to two times a month to practice.

Sharing passion for koto
In addition to leading the Washington Toho Koto Society, Okamoto also teaches the koto privately at her Riderwood home and gives group lessons in the community classrooms. She also provides expert instruction at two area colleges: The University of Maryland, College Park, and George Mason University in Virginia.

“Teaching the koto expands my perspective of koto music and its nuances as well as the learning abilities of many students,” says Okamoto. “It’s as though I were planting seeds and watching the students and myself blossom from within. My greatest joy is when the plants can grow by themselves.”

In addition to learning a beautiful instrument, Okamoto’s students also learn about Japan’s rich culture. “I enjoy teaching Japanese culture through koto playing, which emphasizes grace, respect, elegance, humility, simplicity, and quiet dignity,” she says.

Love of music
Through the Washington Toho Koto Society and her teaching, Okamoto continues to share her love of Japanese culture and music. She encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with the koto’s beautiful music.

On the society’s website, www.kotosociety.org, visitors can listen to music clips of the group’s various performances or join the popular group. And for those who fall in love with the music, Okamoto believes they, too, can learn to play the koto.

“Anyone who has an open mind and practices hard can learn to play the koto,” says Okamoto. “I’ve taught many college students with no musical experience, and after a one-semester class of 1 and ½ hours a week, they are able to perform in a group koto recital at the end of the semester. The secret is to practice, practice, and practice out of class.”