The bamboo end-blown flute known as the shakuhachi is said to have been introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism in approximately the 7th century. Over time, shakuhachi became widely used in Japan for everything from traditional music to contemporary music. Nanso shakuhachi are made in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, from madake bamboo. The joints are wrapped in wild cherry bark, accentuating the instrument’s elegance. Everything from harvesting the bamboo to making the pipes is done by hand, and the inside is coated with lacquer to harden and finish the instrument.