Last week, I introduced the three key elements that must work together to create a beautiful shinobue tone:
The direction of your breath
The quality of your breath
Your fingering
We focused on the quality of the breath last time. This week, let’s dive into the Direction of the Breath.
Direction of the breath
When I first started playing shinobue in 2020, I would simply blow into the hole and hope for a sound. If it didn’t work, I tried again, without really knowing why it sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t.
When I began studying with my teacher, Bunta sensei, he taught me something crucial: You need to aim your breath at a specific spot on the utakuchi (mouth hole).
Since the utakuchi is so small, this might feel like an impossible task—but this is where embouchure comes in.
What Is Embouchure?
Embouchure is how you shape and position your mouth on a wind instrument.
Its main job? To direct your breath into the utakuchi with precision.
Think of your embouchure like a faucet:
If the faucet points straight down, the water flows down.
If it points up, the water sprays upward.
When playing shinobue, the utakuchi sits just below your upper lip, so your embouchure needs to angle the breath downward.
Everyone’s mouth is shaped differently, so your embouchure will be unique.
Below are some examples of embouchure shapes and breath direction (see images).
Bunta-sensei says: “Shape your lips as if you’re kissing a baby—puckered but soft and relaxed.”
Utakuchi Position on Your Lip
Another key factor is where you place the utakuchi on your lower lip.
If you have tear-drop-shaped lips, it’s fine to position it slightly off-center.
Most beginners place the utakuchi too low on the lower lip.
When I tell students to raise it, they often move it up by 2mm—but in the shinobue world, 1mm is a HUGE change!
Always think in terms of micro-adjustments. Tiny movements can make all the difference in your tone.
This week, I encourage you to experiment with your breath direction and embouchure. Don’t be discouraged if it feels tricky at first—shinobue is all about tiny, mindful adjustments. Even a 1mm shift or a slight change in how you shape your lips can transform your tone. Be patient and curious with yourself. Every beautiful sound you create is a step forward.
Next week, we’ll dive into the final element—fingering—and how it ties everything together. Until then, keep exploring and enjoy every note you play!
Protect Your Shinobue with Quality and Care — Without Overpaying
Other bags may seem cheaper at first glance— but after shipping, the price often jumps close to $60!
With Kamakura Blue shinobue bags, it’s simple and honest: $44, handcrafted in Japan, with FREE U.S. shipping. (International shipping is available for an additional $22.)
Each bag is lovingly sewn by my childhood friend, Yuri san, whom I went to school with in Kamakura.
She takes pride in her art and uses only the high quality authentic Japanese fabric.
It’s designed to protect your shinobue from scratches and cracking.
If your shinobue is your best friend, treat it like one. Wrap it in something worthy. 💙
This one is made with authentic Ro (a type of summer kimono) fabric
I visit Mejiro Co. in Tokyo and tested multiple shinobues so you can hear the differences in tone, style, and playability. Please comment on your thoughts!
Princess Mononoke in a beautiful Japanese bamboo grove!
Princess Mononoke Theme Song is the very first song I ever performed live on the shinobue. That experience was the moment I realized just how much I love sharing this instrument with others.
I encourage you to learn this beautiful piece too! You can get a free sheet music at saitomusic.com/free
One of the Most Meaningful Videos I've Ever Shared
During my recent visit to Japan, I had the chance to play shinobue for my neighbor, Kamiya-san. He gave me my very first part-time job at his bakery when I was 15, and over the years, he’s felt like a second father to me—especially after I lost my own dad at 18.
Kamiya-san is also an accomplished shakuhachi player, holding a shihan license. So when he listened to my playing, smiled, and even hummed along—it meant the world to me.
I hope his smile warms your heart as much as it did mine.
I went on a beautiful hike in Kamakura with my cousin, and took this video by Doso shin (Gods of protection). If you haven't checked it out, it's a must!
Are you interested in Japan? Imagine diving into their culture and learning to play a beautiful ancient musical instrument! Why not give the shinobue a try? This lovely Japanese bamboo flute is easier to learn than you might think. Many folks (even without any musical experience) are discovering the rich traditions of Japan through this amazing instrument. I invite you to check out my website, saitomusic.com, where you'll find a wealth of free information that used to be available only in Japanese. You can easily purchase a beginner shinobue there at an affordable price. Also, don’t miss my YouTube channel, “Miki Saito Shinobue Adventure,” where I share anime and video game covers and fun tutorials. And be sure to subscribe to my free newsletter to support you on your shinobue journey! I can’t wait to see you there!
