Distinctions between and traditional The term was popularized by Watzumi Doso. Traditional were quite similar, with three primary differences. First, modern performers such as Doso and Okuda often prefer exceptionally long , while rarely exceeded 2.1 . Second, had an inlaid mouthpiece, which protects the blowing edge from taking on excess moisture and rotting out. Thirdly, though is not used, the inside is painted with , a natural lacquer made from the sap of the urushi tree, used in Japan from antiquity. Like the mouthpiece inlay, this protects the bore from taking on excess moisture and contributes to the flute's longevity. Lacking and a mouthpiece inlay, gradually take on moisture as they are played, making the tone less stable. Though were not tuned to a precise scale either, they could generally be played together. As their hole positions were either calculated or copied from another , a particular piece could be played roughly the same way on any . take even more freedom; some of Watazumi Doso's instruments were literally a piece of bamboo cut down with some holes seemingly randomly bored into it. Distinguishing from in general can be difficult, as there are many types of . In addition to , there are also modern , such as those made by John Kaizan Neptune, which are tuned to be played with modern (Western) musical instruments. Again, since the abolition of the Fuke sect in 1871, modern have been made in two halves in order to tune them more precisely, but used for Zen practice have been primarily since the beginning. The term encompasses all of these, including , and should not be understood as referring only to the modern, more musical iteration of the instrument. Famous players Watazumi Doso Roshi Nishimura Koku Atsuya Okuda References External links Close up of Hotchiku, by Kinya Sogawa Article detailing differences between hotchiku and shakuhachi, by Tom Deaver One of several messages in a thread on shakumail, describing the history of the term and concept of hotchiku, contrasted with shakuhachi Japanese musical instruments End-blown flutes Bamboo flutes Five tone hole wind instruments