Yokobue (Japanese flute) Shinobue (bamboo flute) sound production practice tool. This is a practice tool for producing the high-pitched "Dai-kan" sound. For right-handed players. For the Koten-cho style, this applies to Shinobue flutes like the Shishida and Maruyama models. Recommended for complete beginners, those who want to improve quickly, those who want to produce beautiful sounds, and those who want to be able to play for extended periods. Also recommended for health benefits (for all ages and genders). Nationwide, traditional Japanese music performances like "O-bayashi" and "Kagura" are rapidly disappearing. The cause is the declining population in rural areas. Also, the art of playing the Yokobue is disappearing due to a lack of players. This tool was created with the desire to prevent this decline and to revive the lost O-bayashi and Kagura traditions. Originally, this was a children's toy from the Edo period. It's a tool that allows you to learn and improve your Yokobue playing without even realizing it. The most challenging aspect of playing the Yokobue and Shinobue is producing the initial sound. Many people seem to give up at this stage. Thickness: Approximately 17.5 mm around the mouthpiece. Mouthpiece size: Approximately 13.5 mm. Pitch: Approximately E (high). As shown in the image, the mouthpiece is located just below the node. The sound is difficult to produce unless the mouth shape, angle, and distance are correct. How to use: 1. First, place your lips on the mouthpiece about halfway and practice producing a low sound. It's easier to produce the sound if you check the position of your lips in a mirror at first. 2. Once you can produce a low sound, practice producing a high sound by closing the front of your lips vertically. Avoid blowing too hard. (Don't "hoo-hoo" too much) If you can't close your lips vertically, practice by putting a straw in your mouth and crushing it vertically. 3. Once you've mastered this, practice repeatedly producing low and high sounds in sequence, in one breath. Produce the sounds by closing and relaxing your lips without using tongue movements (tonguing). You should be able to play simple songs with this. Also, you will improve considerably if you thoroughly practice this. That's it. If you are thinking of starting to play the Shinobue, practicing with this tool to some extent before you begin will greatly accelerate your progress. Also, it will be easier. Because natural materials are used and it is handmade, there may be natural shapes, patterns, colors, and scratches. Thank you for your understanding. Shipping is planned via Yu-Yu Mercari delivery, so shipping is closed on Sundays and holidays. Please refrain from price reductions as this is handmade. Thank you for reading to the end.