We have a selection of Noh flutes, each with its own unique character, ranging from antique Edo-period flutes to modern Showa-period ones.

If you visit our store, you can try playing the flutes.
Each Nohkan flute is unique, with its own distinct tone and playing feel.
Please take this opportunity to experience the true joy of playing the Nohkan.
*All of our Noh flutes have been fully serviced by a flute master.

[What is a Noh Flute?]
A flute unique to Japan, used in the musical accompaniment for Noh, Kabuki, Nagauta, festivals, and other events. It does not feature Western-style melodies but is played rhythmically and powerfully, following melodic patterns based on “shoga” (※).
(※) Shōga… A notation system in which the way sounds are perceived is written in katakana on sheet music, such as “Ohiyara-arihiuiya, Hi-u-rorora-a-.” While Nohkan shōga involves variations in pitch, it is not an absolute melody but rather resembles a rhythmic phrasing that emphasizes nuance. However, the meter (rhythm) is strictly defined.

Total length: approximately 39 centimeters. Outer diameter of the tube: around 3 centimeters.It is made of bamboo. The head section—from the tip to the mouthpiece—is often crafted from “male bamboo” (such as madake), which has thick nodes, and is joined to “female bamboo” (shinotake), which has thin nodes. Seven finger holes are arranged in a straight line.

Although the Nohkan has varying pitches, its mid-range is narrower than a standard scale, creating a unique progression of tones.Because the sound of the player’s breath (noise) overlays the pure musical tones, the overtones are significantly amplified. These elements combine to create a unique timbre that instantly transforms the atmosphere on stage the moment the instrument begins to play. The high-pitched, shrill sound—known as “hishigi”—that is characteristic of the Nohkan contains high-frequency tones beyond the human audible range, lending it a rare power not found in other flutes.

The Nohkan is also known as the “flute that summons the gods,” and it is said that its roots lie in the stone flutes (iwabue) used in rituals during the Jomon period.
On the Noh stage, the Nohkan’s “hishigi” is played to summon entities not of this world—such as gods and the deceased—onto the stage.
This is precisely why it is considered a direct descendant of the stone flute.

The Nohkan is a robustly crafted, highly durable flute that develops a richer resonance the more it is played. It is said to reach its full potential 100 years after its creation, and it is not uncommon for the flutes used by performers on stage to be over 300 years old.
*Since it is susceptible to drying out, careful storage and regular playing are essential to maintaining it in good condition.