The hichiriki is a Japanese flute with two reeds. It is one of the main instruments that play melodies in gagaku music. It is considered a sacred instrument and is often played at Shinto weddings in Japan. Its sound is often described as haunting.

The hichiriki came from the Chinese guan, which was brought to Japan during the Tang dynasty. Scholars believe that the hichiriki became popular after the 12th century, when the popularity of a type of Chinese music in Japan called tōgaku decreased.

Description

The hichiriki is a double reed instrument, similar to the oboe and clarinet, with a round shape inside. It is made from a bamboo tube that is 18 centimeters (7.1 inches) long. A flat double reed is inserted into one end, creating a loud sound. The instrument is difficult to play because of the two reeds attached together.

The pitch and special musical effects, such as sliding tones, are controlled mainly by the way the musician shapes their mouth and lips, called the embouchure. The hichiriki is known for a technique called embai, which involves smoothly changing the pitch.

The hichiriki is the most commonly used instrument in gagaku music, a traditional Japanese style. It is played in all types of gagaku music except for poetry recitations. The instrument has roots in the Chinese guan or bili and is also connected to the Korean piri. This connection is shown in the symbols used to mark finger positions, which are based on Chinese characters.

Some well-known Japanese musicians who play the hichiriki include Hideki Togi and Hitomi Nakamura. Non-Japanese musicians who have learned to play the hichiriki include Alan Hovhaness, Richard Teitelbaum, Valerie Samson, Thomas Piercy, and Joseph Celli.