Most Wagakki were produced by modifying the original instruments introduced from the Asian continent, except for those such as the Wagon, which have been present since the Yayoi period (it is unknown whether the Kokyu originated from the Asian continent).
弥生時代から存在する和琴(わごん)などを除き、ほとんどの楽器は中国大陸伝来(胡弓は不明)のものに変化が加えられたものである。