Bin Zasara - A Traditional Japanese Odd Musical Instrument

A bin zasara (a.k.a. bin sasara, sasara) is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument. Due to the bin zasara’s self-vibrating nature, the instrument is classified as an idiophone. The instrument consists of many rectangular wooden slats, made from tonewood (wood that carries sound waves well e.g. maple, ceder, bamboo, walnut) strung together by some sort of rope or flexible wire.

The bin zasara can be played an infinite number of ways - a quick flick of the wrist is enough to create a very loud and sharp succession of claps not unlike the cascading melody of falling dominoes.

From M Harrison’s flickr:

“This is a dance praying for abundant harvest and prosperity of one’s descendants performed by people dressed in splendid costumes while holding binzasara, which are musical instruments made of bamboo strips strung together. This instrument is very interesting for it is played by opening and closing it like an accordion, and produces rich melodies.”

In my opinion, the bin zasara is as much of a musical instrument as it is a treat for the decorative eye.

Photo credits: IDÔSIKI ONGAKUHAN, starbulletin.com, bekkoame.ne.jp