Yokobue (Japanese flute) Shinobue (bamboo flute) sound production practice tool. (Ages 6 and up) For right-handed players. This is for the Koten-cho (classical style) Shinobue, such as 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 (for all ages and genders). Nationwide, traditional Japanese music performances like *ohayashi* (festival music) and *kagura* (sacred music) are rapidly disappearing. The cause is the declining population in rural areas. Also, the number of people playing the yokobue is decreasing, leading to their disappearance. This tool was created with the desire to prevent this and to revive the lost *ohayashi* and *kagura*. 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 part of playing the yokobue and shinobue is producing the initial sound. Many people seem to give up at this stage. Thickness: Approximately 20.7 mm around the mouthpiece. Mouthpiece size: Approximately 15 mm. Pitch: Approximately A (high). As shown in the image, the mouthpiece is located just below the node. Sound is difficult to produce unless the mouth shape, angle, and distance are correct. How to use: 1. First, practice producing a low sound by placing your lips on the mouthpiece about halfway. It's easier to produce a 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 by putting a straw in your mouth and crushing it vertically. 3. Once you've done this, practice repeatedly producing low and high sounds in order, in one breath. Produce the sound by closing and loosening your lips without using tongue (no "ta" or "tu" sound). 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 start will help you improve much faster. Also, it will be easier. Because natural materials are used and it is handmade, there are natural shapes, patterns, colors, and scratches. Thank you for your understanding. 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.