Shakuhachi（Chiba）originated and was popular in Tang Dynasty. It was originally imperial instrument and was later introduced in to Zen (Chan) practice by Buddhist Fuke (Puhua) Master. It was introduced to Japan during Song Dynasty by a Japanese Buddhist Master Kakushin Master and became ritual tool of Fuke Sect of Zen. Then it gradually disappeared in China. The music formed in Buddhism Zen practice was call Honkyoku ( Benqu), which form the foundation and essence of shakuhachi.

Honkyoku focuses on rhythm of breath, dynamic of timbre and improvisational expressions. As shakuhachi is extremely sensitive to variations in breath, it could transform invisible breath into audible sound with clear shape, helping player be aware of their breathe and situation. We will learn and understand the musical and cultural features and learn how to make a good sound to understand how it work in breath training and practice.