Bamboo-based plectrums offer ethical alternative to ivory for koto players

A new material made from bamboo-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has been developed to produce plectrums for the Japanese koto, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ivory. The product, developed by Sera Creations, will be showcased at an “Ivory-Free Koto Concert” in Tokyo on 31 October 2025, organised by the Japan Wildlife Conservation Society (JWCS).

For centuries, parts of traditional Japanese musical instruments, or wagakki, such as the plectrums for the koto, have been crafted from ivory. Professional musicians have long favoured ivory for its acoustic properties, preferring it over less expensive plastic alternatives. However, the international trade of ivory has been prohibited since 1990 under the CITES convention, and a 2016 resolution recommended the closure of domestic markets. This has created uncertainty for the traditional music community regarding the future availability of ivory. The development is particularly welcome for koto players residing overseas, who face restrictions on transporting ivory items across international borders.

Sera Creations has spent eight years developing an alternative, collaborating with professional musicians and acoustic researchers. The result is a plectrum made from a CNF composite material derived from bamboo. Acoustic analysis comparing the new plectrums with those made from ivory was conducted. The analysis indicates that one formulation produces a sound profile remarkably close to that of ivory.

It gives promise to addressing the issue in Japan. Revealed in their JWCS’s survey, while more than 88% have no desire for products with ivory, 64% would choose the ivory substitute if it had the same quality and price range.

The upcoming concert aims to demonstrate the viability of this new material to a public audience. According to the organisers, the event has three main objectives: to present a new material alternative that acoustically rivals ivory, to propose a new cultural value that moves beyond the perception of ivory as the superior material, and to connect Japanese traditional music with global conservation efforts. The concert will feature a collaboration with traditional African percussion to raise awareness of the origins of ivory and foster solidarity with nations calling for a global ban on the ivory trade.

This initiative represents a significant step in aligning a traditional Japanese art form with modern environmental ethics. By providing a high-quality, sustainable alternative, it seeks to ensure the cultural heritage of koto music can thrive without endangering of elephants.

The “Ivory-Free Koto Concert” is co-hosted by the Japan Tiger and Elephant Fund (JTEF) and Sera Creations, with support from the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), the IUCN Japan Committee, and Tears of the African Elephant. The tickets get be purchased on Peatix.