Shakuhachi facts for kids
The shakuhachi (say "shah-koo-hah-chee") is a special Japanese flute. Unlike many flutes you might know, it is played straight up and down, like a recorder. Most Western flutes are played sideways.
The name "shakuhachi" means "1.8 foot." This tells you about its traditional length. Shakuhachi flutes are usually made from bamboo. However, you can also find them made from wood or plastic today.
This flute was once used by monks of Zen Buddhism. They played it during a special type of meditation called suizen. This means "blowing meditation."
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What is a Shakuhachi?
The shakuhachi is a type of end-blown flute. This means you blow into the end of the flute, not across a hole on the side. It has four holes on the front and one hole on the back for your fingers. These holes help change the notes you play.
How it Sounds
The sound of a shakuhachi can be very calm and peaceful. It can also be powerful and strong. Players can make many different sounds by changing how they blow into the flute. They can also change the angle of their lips. This makes the shakuhachi a very expressive instrument.
History of the Shakuhachi
The shakuhachi came to Japan from China a long time ago. It became very popular in Japan during the 13th century. This was when the Zen Buddhist monks started using it for their meditation practices. These monks were called komusō. They would travel around Japan playing the shakuhachi.
Over time, the shakuhachi also became a musical instrument for other types of music. It is now used in traditional Japanese music and even in some modern music.
Making a Shakuhachi
Making a shakuhachi is a very skilled job. Makers carefully choose bamboo that is just right. They cut and shape it to create the perfect sound. Each shakuhachi is unique because of the natural shape of the bamboo.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Performer playing shakuhachi in 60th Himeji oshiro festival, 2009
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American Shakuhachi Enthusiast
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Traditional and contemporary mouthpiece design through the history of the shakuhachi.
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Contemporary design inlaid with precision mouthpieces in the independent style of Master Zapata (Mumon Ryu Suizen Shakuhachi), using buffalo horn bone, as well as acrylic and steel in substitution for certain references.
See also
In Spanish: Shakuhachi para niños
