We refer to the incredible instrument we play as the "Shinobue." But what does "shinobue" actually mean? We also frequently come across the terms "Yubiuchi" and "Utakuchi."
Understanding the origins of these words will help unlock the secrets to mastering this fascinating instrument.
"Shinobue" 篠笛
Shinobue has two kanji characters 篠 (shino) and 笛 (bue).
Let's start with the second one 笛.
Without "shino", this kanji character is pronounced "fue" by itself.
Why is "fue" pronounced "bue" when we are talking about shinobue?
Because it's just easier to say "B" (voiced consonant) than "F" (unvoiced consonant) after "shino". This is not unique to the Japanese. For example, when you say "Asked", the d is pronounced "T", but when you say "Leaned", the d is pronounced "D".The pronunciation changes depending upon what's in front of it.
We use the word "fue" very often. It simply means "flute".
So Shakuhachi is considered a type of fue.
Japanese people even call a whistle a fue. You see the kanji "笛” in this advertisement.
So, to be more specific, the kanji "篠” shows the type of bamboo used to make shinobue.
Shinobue is made of "SHINOdake", a type of thin bamboo that grows only 3-9 feet (1-3 meters). Typically, they grow in clumps.
Courtesy: Shinobue Wako
It is said that Japan has about 600 different types of bamboo.
So shinobue means a flute that is made of shinodake.
"Yubiuchi" 指打ち
When the same note is repeated, the sound is separated by opening the finger holes and quickly returning them to their original positions, or by briefly closing the open finger holes. The technique of briefly tapping the fingers is called "yubiuchi."
You can see many examples of yubiuchi in the beautiful summer song "Tanabata sama".
"Uchi" comes from the word "Utsu" 打つ, which means to strike.
So the word "Yubiuchi" means "finger strike".
Now, it's important to remember it's a Finger STRIKE. Not Finger 'Softly touching the hole".
The most common Yubiuchi issues beginners encounter is to move the fingers slowly and touch the hole softly.
You need to STRIKE the hole with your finger!
And as you practice moving the fingers faster, make sure you do not increase the TEMPO of the song.
You must learn how to move the fingers faster without playing the song faster.
"Utakuchi" 唄口
"Utakuchi" refers to the opening on the shinobue that you place your mouth on when playing the instrument.
"Uta" 唄 means song or singing.
"Kuchi" 口 means mouth or opening.
Now, pay attention to the word Uta - Singing.
Shinobue is a melody instrument.
What is a "melody instrument"? It can play melodies, unlike percussion instruments like drums.
You need to "SING" with your shinobue.
Humans are fascinated by the sound of the human voice when it sings. Have you ever wondered why violinists often shake their left hands on the strings while playing? They're actually imitating the vibrato of the human voice.
All my piano teachers have always encouraged me to "sing" the melody in my head as I play. The human voice is the most natural instrument we have; we’re born with it.
You don’t need to be a superstar singer to play the shinobue well, but you must learn how to make the shinobue sing. Listen to a talented singer performing the song you are playing. Study how you can make your shinobue sound like that singer.
This practice can elevate you from a beginner shinobue player to one who can truly touch the hearts of listeners. 💞
Narai Village in Nagano Prefecture
I'm starting a new band, "Hirosaki"!!
Remember the person who was playing the guitar in this video?
Her name is Hana Honda, and we are starting a new duo group called "Hirosaki"!
In this group, Hana plays the shamisen, a popular traditional Japanese instrument. Specifically, she plays the Tsugaru shamisen, which originates from the Tsugaru region of Japan. The Tsugaru shamisen is known for its loud, exuberant, and fast-paced playing style.
As you know, my shinobue teacher, Bunta Sensei, is also a Tsugaru bue (Tsugaru flute) player, so my shinobue playing is heavily influenced by Tsugaru culture.
I initially considered calling our duo "Tsugaru," but that word is difficult for most English speakers to pronounce. Instead, we decided to name it "Hirosaki," which is the name of the city in the Tsugaru region where Bunta Sensei lives.
We also decided on this name to carry a message of peace. The name "Hirosaki" combines "Hiroshima" and "Nagasaki." We believe it's important to remember these cities to ensure that we never repeat the tragedies that occurred there anywhere on Earth.
Our debut appearance will be at "Miyako Ramen" in Englewood (near Denver) on June 8. There will be delicious food and special guests from Japan to introduce their unique Japanese-brewed beer, "Coedo"!
If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello! 👋
You can attend my 2-hour session for just $60! There's no need to register for the entire conference.
I'll be offering a beginning shinobue class and an intermediate/advanced class where we will learn to play "Tsuki no Sabaku" (Desert Moon), which is a perfect theme for Arizona!
After two days of teaching at the Taiko Conference on Friday and Saturday, I will be at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Rohoen) on Saturday, August 31, sharing more about shinobue. This beautiful and authentic Japanese garden is located near downtown Phoenix. We are planning to have activities inside their authentic Japanese tea room since the temperature outside will be very hot. More details will be available soon!
If you grew up in Japan, you must recognize this song. Many elementary schools play it before sunset to signal the closing of the school gate, and its melody resonates throughout the neighborhood. This beautiful, nostalgic song is included in my shinobue songbook, which is now on sale for just $25—an absolute steal! (The sales ends on June 10)
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!
