A large plectrum used for plucking string instruments like the shamisen or biwa.
When playing the shamisen, you use a plectrum.
A stick used to strike taiko drums or gongs.
Grip the drumstick firmly and strike the taiko.
engraving of lacquer-stained ivory
pick-guard; protective patch on a biwa
plectrum sound; sound of a pick
Edo-period commoner's hairstyle (shaved above the ear, topknot tied back)
bigeye tuna
Usually written in kana; katakana is common for this word.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Kanji for plectrum; used especially for shamisen/biwa.
Kanji for drumstick; used especially for taiko.
Rare kanji variant for drumstick.
The origin is uncertain, but the word is native Japanese. The kanji 撥, 桴, and 枹 are Chinese characters adopted for their meanings related to striking or plucking.