Regular Events
Masaaki Aoyama
Shakuhachi & Overtone Singing Workshop in Harajuku → Japanese
We Welcome People From All Countries!!
Learn a natural relaxing way of breathing by using the bamboo.
The traditional Japanese Shakuhachi has deep connections with Zen Buddhism. It is also an instrument with a lot of natural harmonic overtones.
Breathing into a natural bamboo will make your breathing softer and slower. The feedback of your breath from the bamboo will relax you. Open a dialogue with the bamboo by concentrating on your breath.
You can sing two Voices at once!
The method of overtone singing that we teach are based on the traditional method of Tuvan throat singing (Khoomei) practiced in Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, Tuva, and Siberia.
Khoomei emphasizes the harmonic overtones in your vocal chords. You can sing like a whistle over your normal voice, and at the same time. By gently moving your tongue and your mouth cavity, you can sing beautiful overtones.
What is "Hocchiku Shakuhachi"?
The Hocchiku Shakuhachi that we use are a large bass Jinashi Shakuhachi, which are all natural bamboo on the inside of the bore, unlike the bore of a modern Jiari Shakuhachi which are completely shaped with layers of plaster to produce a more even modern sound, the Hocchiku Shakuhachi produces a more deep sound emphasizing the natural material of the bamboo.
Its sound is filled with natural overtones, and will relax your body and soul as in meditation.
What are harmonic overtones?
Overtones are the elements which determine the timbre of the tone. Sounds which are rich in overtones can move your body and soul. You will learn various ways to use your throat by studying the throat singing method as taught in Tuva.
- Every 4th Wednesday, every month from 19:30-21:00
Please check the homepage for any changes in schedule. - Charge: 3000 Yen
- We will prepare shakuhachis for those without an instrument. The shakuhachi will be rented to you for free. We welcome complete beginners!
- It is also possible to buy a handmade shakuhachi from Masaaki Aoyama.
- → Reservations & Information
Email is preferred because on busy performance days, the staff may not have the time to pick up the phone. - → What are harmonic overtones? (YouTube)
- Masaaki Aoyama
- Khoomei singer, performer of overtone music, Komuso (Hocchiku) Shakuhachi player.
Began studying the guitar, when he was 12.
Became a member of the group, Baions. Baions means overtones in Japanese, and this group emphasized the use of overtones in their music.
Baions won Second Prize at Khoomei Contest in Tuva.
Started studying Hotake Shakuhachi with Akira Okuda.
Left Baions in 2004. Formed Kamihibi King (a duo group making music with emphasis in overtones) with Kotaro Azumaya. Also performs as a singer-songwriter, singing Khoomei songs in Japanese and performing the Jinashi shakuhachi. He also handcrafts his own shakuhachi instruments. - → aoyama masaaki diary (Japanese)
