[NOTE THAT, BECAUSE OF COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OVER SPAM ACTIVITY ON THIS LIST, ANYONE WISHING TO JOIN SHOULD WRITE A BRIEF MESSAGE EXPLAINING THEIR INTEREST IN THE KOTO. THANKS.]

Since launching the KotoWorld website in 1996, I've received well over a hundred requests for information: e.g. Where can I buy a 20-string koto in California?

In many cases, I'm unable to answer these questions satisfactorily, so several years ago I decided to launch this Yahoo Group (eGroup at the time) so that people can benefit from the wisdom of others, who may know the answer to your question better than I.

Here's a quick summary of my views on groups of this nature:
Anytime you post a question to the group, rather than to an individual by email, you're actually providing a service to the whole world koto community, because any answer provided will be available as a reference for anybody else in the future with a similar question.
As I see it, by asking your question at this group you've fulfilled any obligation you may have to the members who answer your question. So, if you're not interested in ongoing koto information, it's perfectly acceptable to leave the group once you have the information you need.

Finally, if you're worried that your mailbox will be inundated, don't be: I occasionally get two or three messages a week, followed by none for two or three months.

Post-finally, a word or two about me: I'm Rick, a now inactive koto instructor based in Japan.