What is the name of the Japanese instrument that is similar to the Indian Sitar?

It is played upright with a bow, as of a cello, or violin. It has only two or three strings? Not sure...

What is the name of the Japanese instrument that is similar to the Indian Sitar?
If it's played with a bow, it's probably a kokyu. It has three strings and is played with a bow.
Reply:it's a kokyuu
Reply:Zither? I've seen different forms, shapes and sizes like guitars.


Here you can search world instruments (both common and rare). This page is the stringed instruments:


http://larkinthemorning.com/category.asp...
Reply:err i don't know about these having a bow being played with them, but they are the biwa and shamisen.
Reply:You may be thinking about a Chinese instrument called the erhu. It has two strings (usually tuned to A and D, an octave above the violin) and the bow is threaded in between the two strings. It is somewhat similar in shape to a sitar, but unlike the sitar which is always plucked, the erhu is always bowed.