The modern originates from the used in Japanese court music. It was a popular instrument among the wealthy; the instrument was considered a romantic one. Some literary and historical records indicate that solo pieces for existed centuries before , the music of the solo genre, was established. According to Japanese literature, the was used as imagery and other extra music significance. In one part of "The Tale of Genji" (), the titular character falls deeply in love with a mysterious woman whom he has never seen before, after hearing her playing the from a distance.