When I first started getting into shakuhachi, there was not a lot of information around. The super information highway was just getting started.

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I make all my shakuhachi flutes from MADAKE bamboo either hand picked by me, or for me from Japan and China.

Looking at Moso bamboo in Kyoto in 2003. Moso is generally too big and has too many nodes.

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Here are the three Hanko Stamps used in my shop. below is the one used on my professional level instruments and Chikusing Models. It is my Chinese name and reads Yung Hai Wah - Yung Ocean Flower

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Here is a great article about the shakuhachi. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in purchasing a flute or just curious about the history and usage.
Shakuhachi:Muisc Myth and Memory. By Preston L.Houser

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Welcome to the home of New York City performing artist and shakuhachi craftsman Perry Yung. In 2002, I received support by both the American and Japanese governments to specifically study shakuhachi making and playing in Japan. I received combined grants from the Japan-US Friendship Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and the International House in Tokyo that enabled me to travel throughout Japan to meet with both Zen and modern shakuhachi makers and master players. I was introduced to my main shakuhachi making and playing sensei, Kinya Sogawa, through my NYC shakuhachi teacher, Ralph Samuelson. Before I embarked on my journey to Japan, I had been performing on the shakuhachi in experimental theater productions internationally with La MaMa E.T.C. What I discovered in Japan was utterly fantastic and beyond the scope of an introduction. It would be both a privilege and honor to share that experience with you and encourage any questions what so ever. This unique flute is shrouded in the mysteries of ancient folklore and much of the information on the internet is a incomplete and biased. My Blog would a great place to start your explorations as my mission is the share the shakuhachi in the clearest light.

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Hi all,
Today’s repair (among 3 others and a plastic horse) is a Kazan that needs a new Utaguchi inlay.

I’ve seen some Kazan flutes before and know that the maker likes to use Ivory.

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I’ve been rehearsing with Hot Peas and Butter this week for two shows in NYC.The first will be Saturday March 28 at Skirball Auditorium at New York University. Strangely enough, the last time I performed at Skirball was for the Big Apple International Shakuhachi Festival hosted by Grandmaster Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin.

The next show is on April 5th in Brooklyn. More info TBA

I like playing Latin pop music with shakuhachi!

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Next Sunday , April 5th, is the second show with Hot Peas and Butter. I am so excited to play with them again. They are such a great group and last Saturday’s show was a smash. Ok, So I’m only playing on one song, but here’s an opportunity to introduce the Zen flute to a lot of people.

Here’s the space at the Brooklyn Center for the Arts.

I hear the show is almost sold out. It’s a good thing I don’t get nervous anymore

Namaste, Perry

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