"A living material deserves a lifetime of thoughtful care."
With thoughtful care and proper handling, your shakuhachi will continue to mature, develop, and accompany you for many years — perhaps even for generations to come.
The following recommendations are intended to help preserve both the natural beauty of the bamboo and the unique voice of your instrument.
Because bamboo is a natural material, sudden changes in temperature and humidity should always be avoided. Whenever possible:
Allow the bamboo to adjust naturally whenever environmental conditions change.
Every Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi is shipped inside two long, durable protective plastic bags. These bags are not simply for shipping — they form an important part of the instrument's long-term care.
Whenever the instrument will not be played for more than approximately ten minutes, I recommend placing it back into at least one of the protective bags, and preferably both, before returning it to its case. Always tie each bag with the included band.
This simple habit helps slow rapid changes in humidity around the bamboo and greatly reduces the possibility of environmental stress.
Always handle your shakuhachi with clean hands. While bamboo is remarkably durable, unnecessary impacts should be avoided.
Never strike the instrument against hard surfaces or expose it to unnecessary stress. Treat it with the same patience and respect with which it was created.
Every Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi is handcrafted from a single piece of bamboo and therefore contains no joints. However, many players also own traditional two-piece shakuhachi.
If your instrument includes a joint, never twist the two sections apart. Instead, hold the instrument firmly on either side of the joint and gently loosen it by supporting the joint while lightly tapping the back of your opposite hand. Once loosened, separate the two sections with a gentle, straight pull.
When reassembling, align both sections carefully and insert them directly together without twisting. Most two-piece shakuhachi include an alignment mark on the back of the instrument to assist with proper positioning. Avoiding unnecessary twisting helps preserve the integrity of the joint and reduces unnecessary wear over time.
Small variations in colour, grain, surface texture, root shape, and natural markings are characteristics of the bamboo itself — rather than imperfections.
Over time, the bamboo may continue to change subtly in appearance as it matures. These changes are a natural part of the instrument's life and contribute to its individual character. No two instruments will ever age in exactly the same way.
Despite careful craftsmanship and proper care, bamboo remains a living natural material. Occasionally, environmental conditions beyond our control may cause a crack to develop.
Should this occur, discontinue playing the instrument and contact me as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the vast majority of cracks can be professionally repaired while preserving both the structural integrity and the musical qualities of the instrument. Early attention often leads to the best possible outcome. Attempting repairs without appropriate experience may cause unnecessary damage and is therefore strongly discouraged.
Contact ChōmeiThe shakuhachi travels remarkably well when properly protected. Whenever possible:
A little patience upon arrival can contribute greatly to the long-term well-being of the instrument.
A Chōmei Ji-Nashi Shakuhachi is more than a musical instrument. It is a companion in practice. A companion in listening. A companion in growth.
Although it may remain with us for many years, we are, in many ways, its stewards rather than its owners. It is my hope that every instrument I create will accompany its steward throughout a lifetime of practice before continuing its journey into the hands of future generations.
If you have any questions regarding the care, maintenance, adjustment, or long-term preservation of your instrument, I am always happy to help. A simple email is often all that is needed to prevent a small concern from becoming a larger one.
The care of your instrument goes beyond my workshop, and my support continues long after it arrives in your hands. I look forward to helping you care for your shakuhachi for many years to come.
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