Japanese Mandolin uses almost the same mechanics as used in any standard mandolin. With the same four-pair of strings, slightly oval or egg-like shape with a very short fret board with 14 frets on it. They only a Japanese Mandolin is different from a regular mandolin is in its shape of the instrument's body. Similar to OUD, an Arabian string instrument, Japanese Mandolins come with a pear-shaped round back. However, a regular mandolin usually has a flat back.

Japanese Mandolin belongs to the lute family and is usually labeled as a soprano instrument. It is mostly played by plucking, if not, strumming in some cases. Japanese Mandolin players usually use a guitar pick or a plectrum with their right hand.

The ‘f-holes' are rare in Japanese Mandolins. Instead of f-holes, there are oval or round sound holes in every instrument. However, the shape and the materials used for making the bridge of the instrument are wood for any Japanese Mandolin.

There are many other variants available and some are quiet radical indeed. From its history we know that the instrument firs emerged with 6-pair gut strings – similar to modern 12-string acoustic guitars. This version of the Japanese Mandolin has been vastly replaced by current standard versions. The only other variation that is commonly used is the 4-string version with single strings in place of a pair of strings.

There have been some experiments with the instrument's body shape as well. Apart from the typical egg-like shape, round-bodied Japanese Mandolins are also very common. Nevertheless, there are chances that you might also see triangular, square or diamond-shaped mandolin  but only rarely.

The more commonly found mandolin makes are Suzuki, Kunishima, Rokutaro Nakade, OtiaiTadao, Nokuti Makoto, Watanabe, Toichiro Ishkawa. However, there are some other brands available in the market as well. Which Japanese Mandolin company you should go for depends on three different factors. Firstly, it is the price you are willing to pay for the instrument. If you are a beginner, it is obviously better to buy a cheaper version first and buy a more expensive one after a year or so. Secondly it is the design, shape and color. Although you will find the more attractive ones are also more expensive. Finally, it's the tonal quality. At a glance, every properly tuned Japanese Mandolin from any good company sounds almost the same. It is recommended that you take someone who has at least some idea about Japanese Mandolin at the time of purchase.