Hotchiku

The hotchiku, sometimes called hocchiku or hochiku, is a traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. It belongs to the same family as the more refined shakuhachi, but is considered a more primitive and rustic variant. The hotchiku is made from the root section of bamboo, which gives it a unique appearance with many small, circular knots where the roots joined the stalk. Unlike the shakuhachi, the hotchiku’s inside and outside surfaces are left untreated, resulting in a visibly and audibly raw instrument with a deep, breathy sound. It was historically associated with the Zen Buddhist monks of the Fuke sect, who used it for meditation practices and spiritual exercises.

History of the Hotchiku

The hotchiku shares its roots with the shakuhachi and has a history deeply tied to Zen Buddhism. It emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868), alongside the rise of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism. The Fuke monks, known as Komuso (meaning “monks of emptiness”), used the shakuhachi and hotchiku for spiritual practices. For these monks, the instrument was not merely a musical tool but also a means of meditation and achieving spiritual insight. Unlike the shakuhachi, which evolved into a polished musical instrument, the hotchiku retained its original, untreated design, preserving the natural elements of bamboo and emphasizing the raw and organic aspects of its sound. The hotchiku was particularly favored for its “natural voice,” emphasizing the sound of breath and silence as much as musical notes, embodying the principles of Zen—simplicity and mindfulness.

Anatomy of the Hotchiku Flute

The hotchiku is an end-blown bamboo flute known for its rustic construction and deep, earthy tones. Below is a detailed look at the anatomy of this unique instrument:

• Materials: The hotchiku is crafted from untreated root bamboo, usually harvested during winter when the bamboo sap is low. The root bamboo’s natural durability and resonance make it ideal for the hotchiku, contributing to its characteristic deep and breathy tone.
• Root End: The hotchiku is made from the root end of the bamboo, which retains natural nodules. These nodules are preserved and left intact, adding to the flute’s aesthetic and influencing the sound by providing slight resistance to the sound waves within the bore.
• Body: The body of the hotchiku is a single, unbroken piece of bamboo. Unlike many modern shakuhachi, which are often split and reassembled, the hotchiku is left in its natural state. Its length generally ranges from 50 to 70 cm, making it longer and thicker compared to a shakuhachi, resulting in its deep, resonant sound.
• Utaguchi (Blowing Edge): The blowing edge, known as the utaguchi, is typically angled and sharpened to create a focused air stream. Unlike the shakuhachi, the hotchiku does not have an inlaid mouthpiece, resulting in a rougher and more organic tonal quality.
• Finger Holes: The hotchiku typically has four to five finger holes. These are often irregularly spaced and burned into the bamboo using hot metal rods. The irregular spacing allows for a more varied tonal range and is one of the characteristics that give the hotchiku its distinct sound.
• Interior Bore: The interior bore of the hotchiku is left untreated—neither polished nor lacquered. This raw bore contributes to the instrument’s breathy and airy sound. The unpolished bore also gives a certain resistance, affecting the way the flute is played and how the sound is produced.

Playing the Hotchiku

Playing the hotchiku requires a refined and different technique compared to other flutes. Like the shakuhachi, it is held vertically, with the player blowing across the utaguchi (blowing edge) at a precise angle. The hotchiku’s playing style emphasizes the natural breath and silence, embodying Zen principles. The raw and organic qualities of the hotchiku’s construction make its sound more fragile and less aligned with standardized musical scales compared to the shakuhachi.

The blowing technique involves using both the lips and the tongue to direct the airstream. This technique is more challenging and requires great skill to control the breath and produce the deep, resonant sound that characterizes the hotchiku. The playing style often focuses on subtle variations in tone and pitch, as well as the natural sounds produced by breath, making it a unique and expressive instrument. Many players, such as Watazumi Doso Roshi and Atsuya Okuda, have contributed to popularizing the hotchiku by expanding its repertoire and showcasing its distinct capabilities in both traditional Zen music and contemporary pieces.

Hotchiku vs Shakuhachi

While the hotchiku and shakuhachi are similar, there are several key differences that set them apart:

• Construction: The hotchiku is crafted from untreated bamboo and left in its natural state, while the shakuhachi is often lacquered and polished for a more refined appearance.
• Blowing Edge: The hotchiku lacks the inlaid mouthpiece that is common on shakuhachi, resulting in a more raw and breathy sound. The utaguchi of the hotchiku is also typically more primitive and less refined.
• Use and Sound: The hotchiku is known for its breathy, airy sound and is used primarily for meditation and traditional Zen music. The shakuhachi, on the other hand, has a broader range and is used in more formal musical contexts, including ensemble performances.
• Bore and Nodes: The bore of the hotchiku is left untreated, and the natural bamboo nodes are preserved, contributing to its unique sound quality. Shakuhachi flutes, especially modern versions, often have a polished bore for a more consistent and refined sound.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are crucial to preserving the quality and longevity of the hotchiku:

• Humidity Control: The hotchiku is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. If the humidity drops below 20%, the bamboo can become vulnerable to cracking. It is recommended to use a plastic bag for storage or place it in a stable environment with moderate humidity to prevent damage.
• Oiling: Applying camellia oil regularly helps to maintain the bamboo’s moisture. When oiling the hotchiku, a few drops should be rubbed into the bamboo, and any excess should be wiped off to avoid a sticky surface.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid placing the hotchiku in direct sunlight or near heating or cooling sources, as extreme temperatures can lead to cracking.
• Cleaning: After playing, a cleaning cloth should be used to remove moisture from the bore. Excess moisture can lead to a buildup of dirt and negatively affect the tone quality of the flute.