+ Characteristics of Shoji Shinobue (Visit my “Shoji” page to learn more)

• Overall tonal quality can be described as “creamy”.

• Do re mi style (Uta style) with superb accuracy in pitch

• Added distance between the top of the flute and the mouth hole makes them bigger than other brands and provides rich resonance. 

• Born in the Tsugaru flute culture, where flutes are expected to compete with the loud sound of large Taiko drums, the Shoji shinobue sound commands a powerful presence.

• At the same time, it has the capacity to create the most intimate and warm sound that touches the gentlest souls.

• Covered in thick lacquer to prevent cracking in dry rooms with central air conditioning and heating. Recommended for customers who live outside Japan (Japan is a humid country with houses with no central air).

• The lacquer does not contain urushi, which is made of poison ivy. Suitable for people with allergic or sensitive skin. 

+Each Shoji shinobue is personally tested and approved by Bunta Sensei!

In order to maintain the highest quality, all Shoji shinobues on this website are played and approved by my teacher, Bunta Satoh sensei!! Here is the process.

1. Mr. Shoji creates a professional grade shinobue and brings it to my teacher, Bunta Satoh sensei.

2. Bunta sensei test plays it. He only tells me about the shinobue he likes. (Mr. Shoji has been making shinobues all his life, and his standards are very high, but occasionally Bunta sensei rejects a shinobue, since Bunta sensei is VERY picky.)

3. You see the shinobue on this page (or receive the email notification from me as the shinobue becomes available.)

4. I provide customer service in English from start to finish. You pay for the shinobue of your choice in USD via this website.

5. The shinobue gets shipped to you directly from Bunta sensei. I will email you the tracking number.

When I got my first shinobue, someone (who most likely doesn't even play shinobue) grabbed a random shinobue in stock, put it in a box, and shipped it to me. No one tried the shinobue to make sure it sounded OK. I could not ask anyone about the shinobue I was purchasing. It was such a big and expensive risk! That's why I wanted to ensure I created a system where your questions are answered, you know exactly how much you are paying and where the shinobue is coming from and someone test plays the shinobue you are buying to make sure of its quality. And who else is better to test play your shinobue than the one who's been playing shinobue all his life and even played it in Carnegie Hall!!