Answer
Instrumental timbre was a key element that Takemitsu manipulated in his compositions. He experimented with the unique sonic qualities of different instruments, blending traditional Japanese instruments with Western ones to create novel and evocative soundscapes. By carefully controlling the timbre of each instrument, Takemitsu was able to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres, from the serene and meditative to the dissonant and unsettling.