Hanz Araki | Maine Arts Fellowship - Springvale, Maine

Kodo Araki VI: Shakuhachi Grand Master

Perhaps no other instrument in the traditional music of Japan is as easily recognizable as the shakuhachi; an end-blown, bamboo flute. Originally played by itinerant monks as a form of meditation, it has endured centuries of change throughout Japan's history. For six generations, the Araki family has shepherded this tradition under the name of Kodo.

Named for his great-great grandfather, Hanzabura made his professional debut in 1988 in Japan only four months after his first lesson from his father. In 2009, the name Koda was bestowed upon him by his father to become the sixth in his family's lineage to bear this title. This legacy continues to be the most influential in the genre, offering an unbroken connection to the roots of this haunting music.

Koda VI taught at Keio University in Tokyo, and is still in demand as an instructor for his command of Kinko-ryu (Kinko-style, the primary branch of shakuhachi music). He has performed throughout the world and appeared on dozens of recordings and soundtracks.

He has just released a solo album titled Hankyo (Reverberation) featuring compositions from Koda II and Koda V.

Visit Hanz Araki's website.

Work Samples:

Youtube Links:

• About the album Hankyō

• Live recording of Seki Heki no Fu

• An introduction to the shakuhachi: