Our shakuhachi begin with a rigorous inspection process. The madake, a spices of bamboo, notoriously grows very quickly, but we choose only the most thick and stable madake that has been growing for at least 3 years. In a bamboo grove very few perfectly aged and shaped poles are suitable for the lengths used to make shakuhachi. Then further among this very small group we also select the highly prized “black root bamboo”, which produces an unmatched tone and vitality when crafted into a shakuhachi.

After being cut, madake gradually turns amber as the bamboo cures. This drying process can last between 4 to 5 years. During that time, each cut of bamboo is closely watched for negative responses to temperature and humidity. Any bamboo that shows signs of cracking are separated and discarded, while those that stabilize may one day be used in production.

We store and manage between 5,000 and 10,000 cuts of bamboo, some dating back to our grandfather’s generation 70 years ago. However, the chances of one of these poles satisfying the selection, curing and storage process is extremely rare. In fact, only a small percentage of our entire bamboo collection meets the criteria to become a Gyokusui shakuhachi. That is why we can confidently state each of our flutes is a rare treasure meant to be played and enjoyed for generations.