Welcome. I’m glad you’ve found shinobue.
Shinobue Flute: Natural, simple, and profound instrument from Japan
Playing and listening to this ancient instrument provides mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
“How can I find the right shinobue for me?”
If you live outside Japan and/or do not speak Japanese, it can be challenging to find the right shinobue for yourself. Here is what you need to know.
If you are a beginner, start with a 6, 7, or 8 hon choshi shinobue. They are easier on your fingers. As you progress, you can add 3 hon choshi, another commonly used hon choshi.
Japan is a humid country, and most houses do not have central air conditioning. If you live in a dry country or have central air conditioning, I recommend purchasing a shinobue made of bamboo covered with thick lacquer or plastic (for beginners).
I recommend affordable Suzuki plastic shinobues for beginners. Once you decide you like playing shinobue, I recommend that you save some money to get a professional-grade shinobue. I have tried many, but my favorite is Shoji shinobues.
Feel free to email me any questions about selections, payment, etc. From shinobue lover to shinobue lover, you will get honest and personalized answers that you cannot get from any other online website.
”How can I learn how to play shinobue?”
My mission is to make this beautiful instrument more accessible to everyone in the world.
I have a very active shinobue YouTube channel with more than 2,000 subscribers. You can find many free shinobue tutorials there, but if you want to take your shinobue skills to the next level, personal coaching might be just what you need!
“where can I get shinobue sheet music?”
There is shinobue sheet music for over 70 songs on this website, and 50 of them are absolutely free!! Unleash your creativity with shinobue!
“What other free resources do you offer?”
Subscribe to my free newsletter to receive weekly practice tips and exciting updates to enhance your shinobue way of life.
A shinobue fingering chart is a must-have item for your shinobue journey!
Read my blogs to learn more about shinobue that will enrich your playing and listening.
Hop on to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube to watch beautiful shinobue videos and tutorials. All FOR FREE!!
“Do you play live?”
Yes!
I have had the pleasure of showcasing my performances at prestigious festivals such as the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the Cleveland Asian Festival, and Akron’s Annual Sakura Cherry Blossom Celebration.
My Japanese music also helped add diversity to the programming of organizations such as The J.M. Smucker Company, Downtown Cleveland Alliance (Ohio) and Broomfield Sister Cities Organization (Colorado).
I was a regular guest at Akron Public Schools, other schools/universities, and cultural organizations, giving lectures/concerts.
3 E’s of my shows: Educational, Entertaining and Enlightening
"I just wanted to say thank you and I wish you were available 20 years ago. I hope there are kids all around the world like I was who wanted to learn but never had the means until now. You are truly a God send.”
Fredie C.
about miki
I entered a world of creativity at a young age, beginning piano lessons in Yokohama, Japan at the tender age of 4. Although I was born into a creative family, I felt like I didn’t quite fit in with the cultural norms in Japan. Conformity was highly valued, which made it challenging for me to express my creativity freely. Moreover, societal expectations for women added further pressure. At 19, I took a bold step and moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in opera performance, determined to embrace my true self.
I used to sing with prestigious opera companies, but never got the big roles I hoped for. I decided to boost my operatic career by creating a website in the 2010s, but unfortunately, no one contacted me. It was quite a challenge to book even a small singing gig, and I practically had to beg for opportunities.
Then, out of the blue, large venues started emailing me, asking if I could play Japanese music. So, I found myself playing Japanese music, even though I had no training in traditional Japanese music…
During the pandemic, while being at home, I made a decision to embrace traditional Japanese instruments. In June 2020, I acquired a shinobue, aiming to master it and offer authentic Japanese music.
Despite holding it for the first time at the age of 54, I set a goal to perform professionally with the shinobue within a year, by the summer of 2021!
I had so many doubts. Who am I to think I can learn this instrument in just one year, at the age of 54? When I tried the Western flute at 13, I got so dizzy I had to quit. And the shinobue seemed quite fickle. One moment, it sounded beautiful; the next, I couldn’t even make a sound. But I practiced and practiced and practiced, every day for hours. The pandemic was my excuse to be anti-social and practice. I was determined!
In the summer of 2021, I performed shinobue professionally at a martial arts studio party. I was nervous because I had never played shinobue outside my home. The first song I played was “Princess Mononoke theme song.” That moment changed my life. I knew shinobue would become an extremely important instrument in my life. The music sounded so beautiful. The crowd was amazed to hear the sound of this ancient instrument live. I was hooked.
As I learned to play the shinobue, I began to see my heritage in a new light. I immersed myself in Japanese culture and philosophy, discovering the love for nature and the pursuit of deep truths in life's simple moments. Through this journey, I found value in things I had previously overlooked. Playing the shinobue has taught me that there is beauty in imperfection, and that each moment should be cherished without judgment.
Your shinobue teaches you how to breathe deeply and consistently. It strengthens your respiratory system and promotes overall well-being. It teaches you the optimal posture where your breath moves through you without blockage. You are creating new neural pathways in your brain. You learn how to center yourself because otherwise, your shinobue sounds chaotic. Shinobue will sound violent or completely shut down if you blow it with force. Shinobue is honest. Shinobue shows you who you are. By learning shinobue, you learn how to be, not just how to play.
I'm excited to share this wonderful instrument and its amazing benefits with you. Shinobue doesn’t mind how “bad”, old, or weak you might feel. It meets you where you are and uplifts you. It's always ready to make beautiful music with you.
