Shakuhachi

Japanese end-blown flute

The shakuhachi (尺八 (しゃくはち), IPA: [ɕakɯhatɕi]) is a Japanese flute which is played vertically (up-down) like a recorder, instead of horizontally (from side to side) like the Western transverse flute. Its name means "1.8 foot", its size. It is traditionally made of bamboo, but ones made of wood or plastic exist today. It was used by the monks of Zen Buddhism in the practice of suizen (blowing meditation).

A shakuhachi flute.
 • Left - top view, four holes.
 • Right - bottom view, fifth hole.

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