History of the Shakuhachi

Originally imported from China, the instrument resurfaced in a distinctly Japanese form sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries. Shakuhachi were often used by monks of Fuke Buddhism as a meditation aid by playing at the same rate they breathed. These monks were often spies for the Japanese shogun, who had restricted travel through the country but granted free travel to these monks in exchange for their services. When the shogun’s government fell in 1868, the shauhachi was outlawed along with Fuke Buddhism, as both were seen as tools of the shogun. It was gradually phased back in, first only in the role of accompanying other instruments and later as a solo instrument. The shakuhachi is still being played today in Japan, and has also become relatively popular in Western pop music and film scores.

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