Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all.

Students come to the shakuhachi from many different backgrounds. Some have years of musical training, while others have never played an instrument before.

The study begins not with music, but with the breath. From there, each student's journey develops naturally according to their own experience, interests, and pace of learning.

The shakuhachi is unique in the intimate relationship it creates between breath, sound, and silence.

Every note reflects the quality of the breath that produces it. Rather than simply learning fingerings or musical techniques, students gradually develop greater awareness through listening, breathing, and attentive practice.

Every flute has its own history, design, and playing tradition, each possessing its own unique beauty and cultural significance. The shakuhachi is certainly not the only end-blown flute — instruments such as the quena, the ney, the hitoyogiri, the tenpuku, and many others share certain similarities in the way sound is produced.

One of the shakuhachi's defining qualities is the way it encourages a natural relationship between the body and the breath. Unlike many transverse flutes, where the head and neck remain turned to one side, the shakuhachi is traditionally played in a relaxed, upright position with the head naturally aligned over the spine — allowing the throat, chest, and diaphragm to remain relaxed and open.

Traditionally crafted from Japanese madake bamboo with only five finger holes, the shakuhachi embraces remarkable simplicity. Rather than relying upon a large number of keys to produce expression, the player gradually learns to shape pitch, tone colour, dynamics, and expression through increasingly refined control of breath, embouchure, posture, and movement.

Good posture supports good breathing. Good breathing supports good sound. Good sound reflects attentive listening. And attentive listening gradually cultivates awareness.

A ji-nashi shakuhachi is crafted with minimal or no ji (a clay-based mixture) added to the interior bore. Rather than imposing a standardized internal shape, the natural character of the bamboo remains central to the instrument's voice and response.

Each ji-nashi shakuhachi is therefore unique, possessing its own tone, resonance, and personality.

There is no single "best" shakuhachi.

The most suitable instrument depends upon many factors, including your experience, physical comfort, personal aspirations, and the relationship you hope to develop with the bamboo.

If you are new to the shakuhachi, I will be happy to guide you through the selection process and help you choose an instrument that best supports your first steps. If you are an experienced player, I will work with you to find an instrument that complements your practice and aspirations.

Every Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi possesses its own individual voice and character. My role is not to choose the instrument for you, but to help introduce you to the one that feels most naturally suited to your journey.

Yes.

Every Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi is offered with a 14-Day Selection Period.

This allows you to spend meaningful time with the instrument in your own environment before making your final decision. Rather than simply evaluating the instrument, I encourage you to become acquainted with it — listen to its voice, discover its character, observe how it responds to your breath, and how your own breathing begins to respond in return.

If, after this period, you feel that another instrument would be better suited to your journey, you are welcome to discuss a return or exchange in accordance with the 14-Day Selection Period policy.

Absolutely.

Many students begin their journey with a Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi, even if they have never played a shakuhachi before.

A Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi is not designed to compensate for the player. Rather, it encourages the player to develop the qualities that matter most: relaxed posture, attentive listening, natural breathing, patience, and consistency.

Progress is measured not by how quickly you advance, but by the depth of understanding you cultivate along the way.

Every journey begins with a single breath.

Yes.

Instruments can be shipped internationally. Packaging is carefully prepared to help protect each shakuhachi throughout its journey.

Shipping costs, customs duties, and local import requirements vary by country and are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Yes.

Private lessons are available online for students anywhere in the world. Online instruction allows students to receive individualized guidance while studying from the comfort of their own home.

Yes.

For students who wish to pursue the shakuhachi as a lifelong discipline, a structured course of traditional study and formal licensing is available.

Students interested in following this path are welcome to discuss the programme and its requirements as part of their ongoing study.

Consistency is far more important than duration.

Even a few minutes of thoughtful daily practice often produces greater progress than occasional long practice sessions.

Not at all.

Many audiences experience the shakuhachi for the very first time during one of my performances or workshops.

Programmes are thoughtfully adapted to suit the audience, making them equally meaningful for newcomers, experienced listeners, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and private events.

Workshops may include:

• The Way of Breath Through Bamboo
• Introduction to the Shakuhachi
• Breath Awareness
• Traditional Japanese Culture
• Instrument Making
• Sound and Silence
• Breath and Budō
• Interactive cultural experiences

Each workshop is individually designed to suit the needs, interests, and objectives of the host organization and its participants.

My work regularly includes teaching, performances, workshops, and instrument making for students and organizations both locally and internationally.

Most lessons may also be conducted online, making study accessible regardless of location.

Simply send an email.

Whether your interest lies in an instrument, private study, a performance, a workshop, or simply learning more about the shakuhachi, I will be happy to discuss your interests and recommend the most appropriate path forward.