The origin of the stone flute dates back to the middle Jomon period, approximately 5,000 years ago. Back then, the stone flute was revered as a sacred instrument that connected humans and the gods. The sound of the Nohkan (a type of transverse flute) used in Noh and Kyogen is said to have been modeled after the stone flute. Because natural stones are used as instruments, the form of the instrument has not changed since then and has been passed down to the present day. However, it is only played by a very small number of musicians and does not seem to be very widespread among the general public.