31 A Conversation with a Shakuhachi Master (Christopher Yohmai Blasdel)

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring the world of the bamboo flute known as the shakuhachi.. About Christopher Yohemei Blasdel Christopher Yohmei Blasdel is a master of the shakuhachi, an educator, and an award-winning author. He began instruction in the instrument in Japan in 1972 and has spent almost 50 years performing, producing music, teaching, and promoting the instrument around the world. Blasdel is the author of the instructional book The Shakuhachi: A Manual for Learning and The Single Tone: A Personal Journey into Shakuhachi Music. The latter of these is an autobiographical account of Blasdel's experiences with the shakuhachi. The Single Tone was originally published in Japanese under the title Shakuhachi Odessei, Ten no iro ni Miserarete and awarded the prestigious Rennyo Award for non-fiction in 2000.  Blasdel also possesses a fourth degree black belt in Aikido. Topics Discussed What a shakuhachi is and how it differs from other flutes Why the shakuhachi is so difficult to play The history of the shakuhachi The connection of the shakuhachi to Zen Buddhism The shakuhachi's use as a tool for suizen (blowing meditation) The rise and fall of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism Why komusō monks wore hats that covered their faces (tengai) The shakuhachi's emergence as a world instrument Why Blasdel decided to go to Japan How the shakuhachi is taught traditionally The tablature method used to transcribe shakuhachi music The World Shkauhachi Festival Blasdel's relationship with the artist Isamu Noguchi The different types of sounds that one can produce with the shakuhachi And much more! Note: At one point in this episode I say "Japanese internment camps." This is misleading since the camps in question were not established by the Japanese. The term was used in reference to the internment camps the U.S. government established during World War II to detain individuals of Japanese ancestry. The usage of the term "Japanese internment camp" was not intentional and only noticed after the final edit of the episode was made. Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Images: Courtesy of Wasabi magazine Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Check out Ichimon Japan Ichimon Japan on Apple Ichimon Japan on Stitcher Ichimon Japan on Spotify Ichimon Japan at Japankyo.com  

Om Podcasten

Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan. Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you! Common topics include ・Japanese culture ・Deep dives into the Japanese language ・Japanese history ・Japanese food ・Japan travel tips ・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc ・The stories of foreigners living in Japan ・And more! Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month. You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com About Tony R. Vega Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.