The Tsukuba Series of the group Maywa Denki is a series of expertly crafted musical instruments that look nothing like the traditional brass or woodwinds. With a one-word philosophy of “nonsense,” Maywa Denki has created everything from an anthropomorphic music note to a set of robotic, percussive wings.

Each of these creations is styled as a “product” and each performance is a “product demonstration.” Other product lines have included the fish-themed Naki series, featuring an extension cord made to look like a fish skeleton, and the Edelweiss Series of products lamenting superficiality.

This "product demonstration" will showcase a number of Maywa Denki original and nonsense instruments, including Melodica, Otamatone, percussion drums and other surprising devices. Come to the Next Stage in the SXSW Trade Show on Monday, march 12 at 5pm to marvel at the genius of nonsense. You can get an appetizer below.

Nobumichi Tosa of Maywa Denki. Photo courtesy of Leigh Durst.