Do you know the instrument called “Shakuhachi”? The shakuhachi is one of the “wagakki” (Japanese musical instruments) and is classified as an air reed woodwind instrument, the same as the flute. The shakuhachi is made of madake bamboo, cut from the base and drilled with five finger holes. According to one theory, the name “shakuhachi” comes from the length of…
In Japan, there are many Japanese musical instruments such as taiko, koto, and shamisen, and unique instruments have been created in different regions. For example, the sanshin or Tsugaru shamisen. In this article, we will introduce the sanshin. The sanshin is a stringed instrument used primarily in Okinawa Prefecture. It is used in Kumiodori, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site,…
In the world of Japanese traditional instruments, there is a practice of paying a tribute. A tribute is the money that a disciple pays to their master. In the world of Japanese traditional instruments, it is common to receive direct instruction from the master, and the tribute is paid to show gratitude for their guidance. However, the amount of the…
Japanese traditional instruments include wadaiko, wagakki, shakuhachi, and shamisen. However, after World War II, playing Japanese traditional instruments became less common in Japan. One reason for this was that Western music was emphasized in post-war music education. Another reason was that there was a shortage of people who could play Japanese traditional instruments in post-war Japan. On the other hand,…
The world is full of various musical instruments. Some of these instruments are indigenous to a country or have a long history of being played in that country. In Japan, those traditional instruments are called “Wagakki. Examples include wadaiko, koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen. In this article, we will take a small peek into the long history of wagakki instruments. It…
