Yokobue (Japanese flute) Shinobue (bamboo flute) sound production practice tool. (Ages 6 and up) For right-handed players. This is for the Koten-cho style, such as the Shishida and Maruyama Shinobue. 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 long periods. Also recommended for health (for people of all ages and genders). Nationwide, traditional Japanese music and Shinto music are rapidly disappearing. The reason is the declining population in rural areas. Also, the number of people playing the yokobue is decreasing, leading to its disappearance. This tool was created with the desire to prevent this and to revive the lost traditional music and Shinto music. Originally 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 difficult part of playing the yokobue and Shinobue is producing the initial sound. Many people seem to give up. Thickness: Approximately 18.5 mm around the mouthpiece. Mouthpiece size: Approximately 14.5 mm. Pitch: Approximately B (high note). 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, practice placing your lips on the mouthpiece about halfway and 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. Do not blow too hard. (Don't "hoo-hoo" too much) If you can't close your lips vertically, practice crushing a straw vertically between your lips. 3. Once you've done this, practice repeatedly producing low and high sounds in order, in one breath. Produce the sound by closing and relaxing your lips without using your tongue (no "tangueing"). You should be able to play simple songs by now. 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 start will help you improve much faster. Also, it will be easier. Because it is handmade using natural materials, there are natural shapes, patterns, colors, and scratches. Please understand. Shipping is planned via Yu-Yu Mercari Bin, so shipping is closed on Sundays and holidays. Please refrain from price reductions as this is handmade. Thank you for reading to the end.