Shakuhachi Bamboo Flute

Meet the Masters

What you’ll do

Learn about the history and characteristics of the shakuhachi from 3rd and 4th-generation artisans. Observe the masters at work crafting professional shakuhachi bamboo flutes. Listen to the sound of the shakuhachi, then try your hand at carrying a tune on this historic instrument.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

Availability

Access

30 minutes from Tokyo Station by car

A Spiritual Sound, Perfectly Pitched

With faces obscured by woven straw basket hats, komuso monks wandered the streets of Edo Japan, clutching the shakuhachi bamboo flute and playing mystifying tunes as a form of spiritual meditation. Known as "monks of nothingness," this sect of Buddhists became synonymous with shakuhachi performances and interest in their special musical arrangements became widespread. However, the history of the shakuhachi extends back far beyond the Edo period, with earlier versions of the instrument existing as early as the 8th century. Expert artisans have been crafting this multifarious flute for centuries in an arduous process that combines over 5 years of drying time with an additional year of crafting. Each craftsperson must complete the process by hand, carefully straightening out the natural curves of the bamboo material, whittling and carving, and applying layer upon layer of urushi lacquer coating in order to seal the interior. While the shakuhachi has only 5 holes, experienced players can achieve nearly any note, shifting the positioning of their fingers or the speed of their breath to reach a range of up to 3 octaves. With this remarkable versatility, shakuhachi can tackle the pentatonic and harmonic scale, be performed alone, paired in accompaniments with the koto, shamisen, or other traditional instruments, and are even featured in jazz ensembles to infuse contemporary arrangements with classical charm. Meet the masters keeping the sound of the shakuhachi alive at their Tokyo studio, and immerse into the music of Japan's cultural heritage.