Hi there. Perhaps it is something unimportant or simply decorative, but does anyone know what is the ring on the side of Uhehara-san’s dou ? Shamicap participants may have seen it closely … An idea ? I think I have already seen it somewhere but I can’t find the picture …
Looks like some spare ito he keeps handy in case he breaks one.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure Kyle’s got it right, it’s extra strings.
Exactly. Plus, it’s also decorative. 
Thanks to Bachido investigators !