Midtown resident achieves Grandmaster rank on Japanese floor harp; first non-Japanese person to do so

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When Linda Kako Caplan began studying koto (Japanese floor harp) 25 years ago, the Eglinton Avenue and Avenue Road resident never dreamed she would one day become a master of her art.

Last July, Caplan received the rank of Grandmaster (Dai Shihan) from the Chikushikai Koto School in Fukuoka, Japan for her decades-long dedication to koto.

This marked the first time a non-Japanese koto player in North America was granted the title of Grandmaster. She is also the sole Canadian in the school's almost 70-year history to become Grandmaster.

"No one was more surprised than I and I certainly didn't go into studying this instrument with that in mind," Caplan said of her achievement.

A classically trained pianist and flautist, Caplan happened upon koto when a friend took her out for Japanese food and was intrigued by the music playing in the background.

Caplan quickly found a koto teacher and spent hours honing her skills, never thinking she would eventually teach the instrument she fell in love with, let alone master it.

"I never played a string instrument, I was a pianist and flautist," said Caplan, who is York University's Japanese music course director. "When I became Grandmaster, it was like sending notice I just won Miss America."

Becoming Grandmaster was no small feat for Caplan as it takes at least a decade to be considered for the top rank.

Contenders for Shihan (Master) at Chikushikai Koto School must successfully complete four levels of examinations and three teaching levels. The last level of exams, Grandmaster, can only be taken in Japan and is held before a jury of five to seven adjudicators. This exam includes half an hour of performing and a three-hour written theory portion.

Following Shihan, it takes 10 to 23 years to qualify for a nomination as a Grandmaster and must be approved by the school's board of directors. In celebration of Caplan's Grandmaster rank, she will take part in a special performance Aug. 6 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Crt., at 7:30 p.m.

Caplan will share the stage with Iemoto Junko Chikushi of Chikushikai Koto School in Japan and Chikushikai koto Grandmaster Kazuko Muramoto of California at the Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue venue.