Playing the Pianica

Today’s glimpse into Japanese culture:

As a “B-san”, Mia is learning to play the pianica at school. It’s a cross between a piano and a harmonica. To change the notes, you use a small piano keyboard, but to make the sound you blow through a mouthpiece. It’s pretty cute! I had never seen one of these before, but it seems to be a pretty popular instrument among yochien students. Preschoolers all over the island are carrying the little pink or blue cases. If last year’s music program is any indication, the kids get to be quite proficient. It’s quite a sight to see a whole stage full of 4 year olds playing a pianica concert.