Quick answer: it's the otamatone
The instrument that everyone calls "Kirby's instrument" is the otamatone (Japanese: オタマトーン), made by the Japanese art collective Maywa Denki in 2009. It is not actually from the Kirby video games — the association is a meme born on the internet from its round shape and the viral videos of people playing Kirby music on it.
What is the otamatone exactly?
The otamatone is an electronic toy synthesiser shaped like a musical note (a quaver). On its "neck" there is a touch-sensitive strip: the further down you slide your finger, the higher the note. The "head" is a mouth that opens and closes; squeezing it adds vibrato and expression to the sound. The result is a nasal, humming, strangely catchy synthesised voice — halfway between a theremin and someone humming through their nose.
The name comes from Japanese: otamajakushi (おたまじゃくし) means "tadpole" but also "musical note", and ne (音) means "sound". So "otamatone" roughly means "note sound" — perfectly apt for a singing musical note.
Why does everyone call it Kirby's instrument?
There is no otamatone inside any Kirby game. The association was born on the internet, for three reinforcing reasons:
- The shape. The otamatone is a round black note with big eyes and a funny mouth — visually very close to Kirby's round, expressive design.
- The sound. Its nasal, slightly absurd singing voice fits Kirby's cheerful, silly tone perfectly. Playing Kirby music on it just works.
- The meme. Viral videos of people playing Kirby songs with exaggerated vibrato — squeezing the head dramatically — spread across TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. Once the meme hit critical mass, the name stuck.
Today "kirby instrument" is one of the most common search terms that leads people to discover the otamatone. The games have nothing to do with it, but as an origin story it is hard to beat.
Video: how to play it
Complete otamatone lesson: note positions on the neck, how to squeeze the mouth for vibrato, and the basics for playing any song — including Kirby tunes.
Models: which one is in the videos?
There are several otamatone versions. The ones you see most often:
| Model | Size | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic / Sweet | 27 cm | The best-selling, most affordable. Perfect as a gift or to try the instrument. |
| Deluxe | 44 cm | The large one. Longer neck = tunes more easily and sounds cleaner. Best for playing recognisable Kirby melodies. |
| Colour / Neo | 27 cm | Colour editions. Same sound, different aesthetics. |
| Themed (Whale, Ninja, Kabuki...) | Classic | Collector editions with character designs. Same mechanism. |
The model in most viral videos is the Deluxe: its longer neck makes it dramatically easier to hit the right notes on Kirby songs. If you want to replicate what you see online, the Deluxe is the right choice.
Which to buy for Kirby songs
Recommendation: if you want to play Kirby songs recognisably, buy the Otamatone Deluxe. Its 44 cm neck gives you much more room between notes, so hitting the correct pitch is significantly easier. The classic (27 cm) sounds the same but the shorter neck demands very precise finger placement to stay in tune.
FAQ
Is the otamatone actually from Kirby?
No. The otamatone was created by Maywa Denki (Japan) in 2009. The Kirby association is purely internet meme culture: the round shape and the funny sound matched Kirby's aesthetic perfectly, and viral videos did the rest.
Is it hard to play Kirby songs?
Simple melodies are achievable within a few hours. The touch neck has no frets, so finger placement must be precise. The Deluxe model is significantly easier than the classic for playing in tune. With the Deluxe and a bit of practice, Kirby's Gourmet Race or Green Greens are very learnable.
What batteries does the otamatone use?
AAA batteries (usually 3). Check the product listing for the specific model, as it can vary slightly.
Can children play it?
Yes — from about 5 years up for the classic, and any age with adult supervision. The Deluxe is easier for children to tune accurately. The squeeze-the-mouth mechanism is very intuitive and instantly rewarding.