Shakuhachi

The word Shakuhachi itself refers to a traditional Japanese system of measurement. A "shaku" is a larger unit (like a foot), and "sun" is a smaller unit, with one shaku being made up of ten sun. "Shaku" means "one shaku," while "hachi" means "eight" (sun), i.e. 1.8 shaku, the length of a standard shakuhachi.

Shakuhachi, however, are not limited to just one size. Kinpu-ryu players came to especially prefer shakuhachi with a length of 2.0 shaku, slightly longer than usual, with a key of C rather than D, as is the case with 1.8 shakuhachi. Some players also prefer "fat" shakuhachi with a large-diameter bore; these players generally also prefer jinashi to jiari flutes, though notable players have used both. Teachers such as Orito Nyogetsu made their own shakuhachi, and likely made shakuhachi for other Kinpu-ryu players as well. Those who made their own shakuhachi, though, had to get their bamboo from areas further south, as the bamboo growing in the Tsugaru region is not generally thick enough to be suitable for making shakuhachi.

The "ji" in "jinashi" and "jiari" refers to a mixture of lacquer and powder that is used to coat the bore of jiari flutes. It is built up in many layers, making the bore as smooth as possible. This technique was developed later on, after the modernization of the shakuhachi, and is used to make Kinko and Tozan-style flutes. It also tends to yield a shakuhachi with more accurate tones, which is good for those who want to play along with western instruments. Most fuke / myoan-style players tend to prefer jinashi shakuhachi, as they retain the bamboo's personality and have a more earthy tone. Kinpu-ryu players have historically used both jinashi and jiari flutes; it really just depends on your preference.

As Kinpu-ryu was not officially identified with the religious (fuke / myoan) sect of shakuhachi, it also came to include some pieces intended for group playing / performance. (The latter schools tend to see shakuhachi as something that is only used for one's own practice, and not something to be "performed;" just as you don't sit zazen for someone, you don't play shakuhachi for someone either). In these cases, shakuhachi of various lengths, i.e. a 1.6 with a 2.0, are used together.