Shakuhachi in Transition: a Transcultural Perspective

Abstract

The shakuhachi, the Japa nese endblown bamboo flute frequently associated with Zen Buddhism, has a long tradition of migration, from its origins in China, via Japan, and on to the rest of the world. During its extended period of development in Japan, the tradition lines of the instrument became increasingly fragmented, to the point that no current school of performing can lay claim to primacy or exclusive authenticity. In this pluralistic setting, the next stage in the development of the instrument lies in its export outside of the Japanese cultural sphere. The pluralism of the traditions and the processes of export and transculturation raise questions about the possibilities of intercultural transmission and integration both of the musical characteristics of the shakuhachi and of the spirituality of its music. Of particular interest is the question as to whether there is a spiritual basis which is capable of being transmitted through and along with the music.