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The Two Major Schools of Shakuhachi, Kinko-ryu and Miyakoyama-ryu, Today

Feb 4, 2025

A Breath of Tradition and a Challenge for the Future

The shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese musical instrument dating back to the Muromachi period (1333-1573), has fascinated many people with its unique tone and spirituality. Among them, the Kinko-ryu and Miyama-ryu schools have shaped the diversity of shakuhachi music due to their respective historical backgrounds, techniques, and styles of expression. In the present day, both schools continue to transmit their traditions while at the same time exploring new forms of expression, and continue to present their appeal on stages both in Japan and abroad.

Koto Koryu: Meditative Tones and International Recognition

Since its establishment in the early Edo period, the Kinko School has been known for its deep spirituality and refined tone. Today's performers of the Kinko School continue to challenge themselves with modern interpretations and new repertoire, while respecting the rigorous techniques passed down from master to student.

◆Kotokoryu's Characteristics and Attractiveness
The Kinko School was established in the early Edo period (1603-1868) by Kinko Kurosawa, and is steeped in the tradition of konmuso shakuhachi. Characteristic of this style is its contemplative tone and delicate expression through the use of the breath. Particularly important are the solo pieces called "koten honkyoku," which are said to directly express the performer's spirituality in the sound.

◆Current Koto koryu performers
Modern Koto koryu performers, while faithfully carrying on the traditional koten honkyoku, are exploring new possibilities for expression.

Fujiwara Dozan: While possessing the solid techniques of the Koto Koryu, Fujiwara Dozan is also actively involved in collaborations with classical music, jazz, and pop music. He brings out new charms of the shakuhachi and is popular with many listeners.
Suzumo Aoki: A performer who deeply explores the spirituality of the shakuhachi while respecting the traditional style of the Kinko-ryu. In addition to performing classical honkyoku, he also gives lectures and workshops on the shakuhachi in Japan and abroad.
Kifu Mitsuhashi: While rooted in the tradition of the Koto Ko-ryu, Kifu Mitsuhashi actively collaborates with contemporary music composers to expand the possibilities of the shakuhachi in new ways. His fusion with contemporary music has attracted attention for further expanding the range of expression possessed by the Kinko-ryu style.

Miyakoyama School: The gorgeous and flowing world of the shakuhachi

Characteristics and Development of the Tozan School
The Miyako-Toyama School was founded by Nakao Tozan in the Meiji era (1868-1912). With its Western-influenced notation and systematization of music education, it developed as a school that was easy for many performers to learn. Its tone is more gorgeous and elegant than that of the Kinko School, and it has been applied to modern Japanese music and popular music, in addition to ensembles and shakuhachi pieces.

The present-day performers of the Miyama school are
Performers of the Miyakoyama school continue to try new challenges while striving to popularize traditional shakuhachi music.

Yasan Kawamura: As an orthodox member of the Miyama school, Kawamura is active in concerts both in Japan and abroad, while at the same time focusing on educational activities. He contributes to the popularization of the shakuhachi and the training of future generations, giving international workshops and lectures at universities.
Weiwao YONEYA: Using the techniques of the Miyama school, YONEYA performs with orchestras and takes up the challenge of contemporary music. He is currently working to expand the possibilities of Japanese musical instruments by capturing the sound of the shakuhachi from a new angle.
Yoshimi Tsujimoto: A female shakuhachi player who has attracted attention, Tsujimoto continues to experiment with the fusion of traditional and pop music. She is also active on YouTube and other media to promote the shakuhachi as an instrument that is more accessible to the public.

Commonalities and Future of Kinko-ryu and Miyama-ryu

Although the Kinko-ryu and the Miyama-ryu schools have different histories and techniques, they share a common interest in conveying the appeal of the shakuhachi. Contemporary performers are expanding the possibilities of the shakuhachi by exploring new forms of expression while respecting tradition.

◆The expansion of international activities
In recent years, the sound of the shakuhachi has been attracting attention from overseas musicians, and both the Kinko-ryu and the Miyakoyama-ryu have been increasing their international performance activities. Especially in France and the U.S., shakuhachi educational programs have been introduced in universities and other institutions, and Japanese performers are increasingly being invited as instructors.

◆Collaboration across genres
The shakuhachi is used not only in ensembles with Japanese instruments, but also in a variety of genres such as jazz, classical and electronic music. Performers of the Kinko School have taken advantage of its contemplative tone to develop into contemporary music and improvisation, while those of the Miyakoyama School have combined its gorgeous tone with orchestral and popular music.

◆Succession to the next generation
The training of young players who will be responsible for the future of shakuhachi is also actively carried out. In addition to the traditional master-student system, online lessons and video streaming are becoming popular, creating an environment that facilitates learning for shakuhachi enthusiasts in Japan and abroad.

At the end.

In each of the Kinko-ryu and Miyako-yama-ryu schools, contemporary performers are treading their own path between tradition and innovation. The sound of the shakuhachi is spreading throughout the world in new ways, while still being a part of traditional Japanese culture. We would like to continue to pay attention to the activities of performers of both schools and enjoy the profound charm of the shakuhachi instrument.

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