8-Hole Rare Mon-dake Shinobue by Yujiro Koike, Flute Master and Director of Shinonokai

This is a one-of-a-kind, non-sale item, an 8-hole shakuhachi (A440Hz), crafted from a meticulously selected mon-take bamboo with exceptionally beautiful patterns, made for personal use. The mon-take bamboo used here is so rare that you likely won't even find images of it through a search. The nodes at the tip have been reinforced to prevent damage.

All shakuhachi offered are of professional quality, yet they are also very easy to play, making them ideal for beginners looking to improve their skills.

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These are the posthumous works of the late Yujiro Koike, a shakuhachi craftsman who studied under Master Hyakunosuke Fukuhara and later became a Living National Treasure, Saemon Hozan. It is said that Koike's shakuhachi impressed and were favored by his master. A number of these works, which were not delivered before his passing, have been discovered in perfect condition. It is the wish of those involved that these instruments reach the hands of individuals who can appreciate the value of his technique and sound.

Using his unique techniques, not only are diatonic scales achievable with normal playing, but chromatic scales are also possible through meri and kari techniques, allowing for sessions with Western instruments. Furthermore, the beautifully calculated balance of the finger holes has resulted in what can be called works of art – meticulously crafted, supreme creations.

The shape of the finger holes significantly impacts ease of playing, finger placement, and tone quality. Those familiar with his flutes would reportedly visit repeatedly, unable to wait for their completion.

We will carefully select and release these instruments in small batches, prioritizing those with beautiful sound and appearance, free from cracks. Due to the delicate nature of these items, please understand that returns cannot be accepted. All flutes are made from carefully selected, highest-quality bamboo.

While some details regarding his techniques are unknown as the craftsman has passed away, we have meticulously selected only those confirmed as his own work and noted as highest quality, and their sound has been verified.

To share the beautiful sound with as many people as possible, we have decided to list them on Mercari. We may be unaccustomed to some aspects of this platform, but we will respond with sincerity.

This is an opportunity for both those who know of his work and those who do not, to acquire a shakuhachi with a beautiful tone, appearance, and above all, ease of play. While we have some stock, these are posthumous works and are therefore limited in quantity. Please consider purchasing while they are available.

During his lifetime, a special exhibition was held at the Numazu Imperial Villa to celebrate the birth of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino, featuring Urayasu no Mai and Gagaku Performance and The World of Yujiro Koike's Shakuhachi, where he presented his own shakuhachi performance.

It has been 13 years since his passing, and his website has been closed. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and we will do our best to confirm and respond within our knowledge.