The shakuhachi is an end blown bamboo flute. The main figures in the growth of shakuhachi music were the wandering basket hatted priests and the instrument is often associated with zen Buddhism. There are two main schools. Kinko-ryu developed in Tokyo, out of the Meian school of the original Kyoto komosu monks. Kinko limits itself to 36 honkyoku, solo or original pieces and numerous gaikyoku, mostly ensemble pieces. The Tozan style started up in the Osaka area. It was founded by Nakao Tozan (1876-1956) who successfully popularized the shakuhachi, especially among young people in Kansai. Three shakuhachi players all designated as National Treasures play songs from both Kinko-ryu and Tozan-ryu. The five tracks are Sokaku Reibo, Koku, Shika No Tone, Kogarashi and Momiji.
