The shakuhachi is a Japanese bamboo flute. It was introduced from China into Japan over 1200 years ago. The shakuhachi is very simple in construction; four holes at the front and one hole at the back, the root of the bamboo at the bottom and the blowing edge at the top. This simplicty allows many subtle nuances in timbre and pitch; from the fluttering of bird wings, to the call of a deer in the forest, to the trickling of a stream. The shakuhachi comes from the earth and sounds of the earth.

Traditionally, the shakuhachi was played by Zen Buddhist monks. They wandered the country-side blowing their shakuhachi in what was called suizen, which means 'blowing Zen'. They played pieces called honkyoku, which were composed anonymously and transmitted aurally in Japan for over 500 years.

 

“Haunting and evocative …”

“Beautiful …”