Quick answer: what are otamatones?
Otamatones (official name: otamatone) are Japanese electronic musical instruments shaped like a quaver (musical note) with a face that opens and closes its mouth as you play them. Created by the art collective Maywa Denki in 2009. To play one you slide your finger along the neck (choose the note) and squeeze the mouth (add vibrato and expression). They are not toys: they generate real sound through analogue electronic synthesis.
- Official name: Otamatone. The plural "otamatones" is the standard English usage.
- Origin: Japan, Maywa Denki collective, 2009.
- Price: from 15 € (mini model) to over 100 € (Techno / special editions).
- Best for: beginners, original gifts, curious music lovers.
What are otamatones?
Otamatones are electronic musical instruments created by the Japanese art collective Maywa Denki and launched in 2009. Their name combines the Japanese words otama (from otamajakushi, the Japanese name for a quaver) and tone (sound in English), and their shape mimics a quaver or musical note.
The "head" of each otamatone has an articulated mouth that opens and closes, producing that vocal, comical sound that has gone viral on social media. But they are not mere novelties: beneath the quirky exterior is a real analogue electronic synthesiser capable of playing complete melodies, videogame soundtracks, pop songs or classical pieces with enough practice.
The mechanism is clever: the elongated neck acts as a continuous touch keyboard — with no fixed keys — that responds to finger contact. Slide your finger to choose the note (higher up near the head = lower pitch, lower down near the tip = higher pitch) and squeeze the mouth with your other hand to control the volume and vibrato. That combination of gesture and electronic voice makes playing an otamatone feel almost like making it speak or sing.
Since their 2009 launch, otamatones have become a cultural phenomenon: there are full otamatone orchestras in Japan, musicians like Daniel Thrasher have popularised them on YouTube, and thousands of fans worldwide learn songs and compete in tuning precision.
How to play otamatones
Getting started with an otamatone is immediate — no musical knowledge required. The basic process in three steps:
- Hold the body (the face head) with one hand, resting your thumb and index finger on either side of the mouth to control sound and vibrato.
- Slide your other hand's finger along the neck to choose the pitch: close to the head = lower notes, towards the tip = higher notes. The movement is continuous, like a violin or theremin.
- Squeeze and release the mouth rhythmically to start and stop the sound, and to produce the characteristic "wah-wah" vibrato effect that simulates the human voice.
| Action | Result | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Slide finger along neck | Change pitch (note) | ⭐ Easy |
| Squeeze / release mouth | Vibrato and vocal expression | ⭐⭐ Medium |
| Precise tuning | Recognisable melody | ⭐⭐⭐ Requires practice |
| Complex melodies | Full songs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
For a step-by-step guide with techniques and exercises, visit our otamatone care and maintenance guide and the list of songs for otamatone ordered by difficulty.
All otamatone models (2026): complete comparison
Since its 2009 launch Maywa Denki has expanded the range with multiple sizes, finishes and special editions. Here is the full picture for 2026:
| Model | Size | Headphone jack | Approx. price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melody / Mini | ~20 cm | No | 15–25 € | Children, gifts, travel |
| Classic / Sweet | ~27 cm | No | 25–40 € | First otamatone, gifts |
| Neo | ~31–35 cm | No | 40–55 € | Modern design, mid-range |
| Deluxe ⭐ | ~44 cm | Yes (3.5 mm) | 45–70 € | Learning, playing melodies |
| Techno | ~44+ cm | Yes | 100 €+ | Advanced musicians, effects |
| Special editions | Various | Varies | Variable | Collectors, anime fans |
Special edition otamatones
Maywa Denki has released highly popular collaborations mixing the instrument with iconic characters:
- Otamatone Kirby — Featuring Nintendo's pink character. Very popular among gaming fans.
- Otamatone Hatsune Miku — Featuring Sega's vocaloid. Collectible edition.
- Otamatone Ninja — Traditional Japanese samurai design.
- Otamatone My Melody (Sanrio) — Pink edition with Sanrio's bunny.
- Otamatone Melody — The compact model of the standard range.
Which otamatone to buy? Our 2026 recommendation
The most common question: if you're only buying one, which is it? The answer depends on use. If you're deciding specifically between the two most popular models, see our full Otamatone Neo vs Deluxe comparison for beginners for a side-by-side table and verdict by profile.
→ Otamatone Deluxe. The long neck (~44 cm) makes tuning much easier. Includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The model every serious tutorial recommends.
→ Classic/Sweet or Melody. Smaller and easier to handle for small hands, and more affordable.
→ Classic or Melody. Accessible price, guaranteed surprise, fast shipping on Amazon. If the recipient wants to get serious, the Deluxe is the natural upgrade.
→ Kirby, Hatsune Miku, Ninja or another special edition based on their favourite character.
Frequently asked questions about otamatones
What are otamatones?
Otamatones (official name: otamatone) are Japanese electronic musical instruments shaped like a quaver with an articulated face that opens and closes its mouth when played. Created by Maywa Denki in 2009. They generate real sound through analogue electronic synthesis — not toys.
How much do otamatones cost in 2026?
Melody/Mini: 15–25 €. Classic/Sweet: 25–40 €. Neo: 40–55 €. Deluxe (recommended): 45–70 €. Techno or special editions: from 100 €. All available on Amazon.
How do you play an otamatone?
Hold the body with your non-dominant hand, fingers on the mouth for vibrato control. Slide a finger of your dominant hand along the neck: up (near the head) = lower notes, down (towards the tip) = higher notes. Squeezing and releasing the mouth activates the sound and adds vibrato. You can make your first sounds within seconds and tune precisely within hours with the Deluxe.
What is the best otamatone for beginners?
The Otamatone Deluxe (~44 cm). Its longer neck makes the intervals between notes wider, making tuning much easier. For children or a tight budget, the Melody (15–25 €) is the best affordable entry point.
Are otamatones suitable for children?
Yes, from around 6–8 years old. The Classic/Sweet is easier for small hands. They are robust with no dangerous parts (except the button cell batteries in the Classic, which should be kept away from very young children). The Deluxe is more comfortable from around 10–12 years old.
How many otamatone models are there?
The standard range: Melody/Mini, Classic/Sweet, Neo, Deluxe and Techno. Plus over 40 special editions with characters including Kirby, Hatsune Miku, Ninja, My Melody, Kabuki, Whale and more. See our guide to what is an otamatone for the full breakdown.
What batteries do otamatones use?
The Classic/Sweet uses AG13/LR44 button cell batteries. The Melody, Neo and Deluxe use AAA batteries. The Techno can be powered via USB. Always keep spare batteries handy.
Where to buy otamatones?
Amazon is the most convenient option: fast delivery, official Maywa Denki warranty and easy returns. The Melody, Classic, Neo and Deluxe are usually in stock. For very limited editions (Ninja, Kabuki, anniversary editions) use Thomann, ZenMarket or direct import from Japan. Avoid unofficial replicas from AliExpress.