Will be shipped in a semi-hard case. (This is the 9800 yen item) I purchased it last year and have been playing it regularly to break in the leather well. I have maintained it carefully. I have used it a lot, but there are no particular scratches. Material: Yaeyama red yushigi (core) Model: Makabi Color: Black (glossy) Body: Both sides single sheet of genuine leather (chagi) Karakui: Yaeyama black yushigi used. It has a slightly high-pitched sound and can be used for both classical and folk music.