About Kōchiku Shakuhachi
Steven Casano
Shakuhachi Artist, Teacher & Dai Shihan
The shakuhachi is far more than a musical instrument—it is a centuries-old path of disciplined practice, deep listening, and profound artistic expression. Rooted in a living tradition passed down through generations, the shakuhachi invites the player to discover the connection between breath, sound, silence, and the natural world.
My name, Kōchiku (光竹, “Radiant Bamboo”), reflects my dedication to this art form: a journey where each note becomes an act of listening, and each breath becomes a connection to something greater.
As a performer, teacher, and Dai Shihan (grandmaster-level practitioner) of the shakuhachi, I am committed to preserving and sharing this tradition with authenticity, respect, and a spirit of continued exploration.
A Lifelong Journey in ShakuhachiFor more than 30 years, I have dedicated myself to the study and performance of shakuhachi with some of the world’s most respected masters in Japan and the West.
My long-term teachers include Robert Herr, Riley Lee, and Ishikawa Toshimitsu. I also had the rare opportunity to study privately with the legendary Yokoyama Katsuya, whose artistry and vision had a profound influence on my musical development. I later continued my studies with Living National Treasure Zenyoji Keisuke, as well as internationally recognized shakuhachi performer John Kaizan Neptune.
More recently, I have expanded my understanding of traditional shakuhachi lineages through study with Dr. Yamada Fumio, a Prefecturally Designated Cultural Treasure for Kinpu-ryū shakuhachi in Hirosaki, Japan. Rooted in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan, this tradition has deepened my appreciation for the regional diversity, specialized techniques, and expressive possibilities of the shakuhachi.
My academic research has also informed my work. Through my studies with the late scholar Tsukitani Tsuneko and the Shakuhachi Kenkyūkai of Osaka, my research on the modern history of the shakuhachi was published in the international journal The World of Music.
Performance & Artistic Work
Throughout my career, I have shared shakuhachi through concerts, collaborations, educational programs, and cultural events in Hawai‘i, Japan, and internationally.
My performance work includes the original soundtrack for the KHON2 documentary Aloha Akebono, appearances at institutions including the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu Academy of Arts, and Bishop Museum, and presentations for organizations such as the Freeman Foundation Summer Institute for Japanese Studies.
International performances include appearances in Osaka, Bisei, and Tokyo, where I performed Marty Regan’s Voyagewith the Punahou Symphony Orchestra at Gakushūin University.
In 2024, I was awarded the title of Dai Shihan and founded Kōchiku Kai, a global community dedicated to the study, preservation, and transmission of traditional shakuhachi music.
Recent Highlights
In 2025, I was honored to perform with Shinnyo Taiko at the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Ceremony in Hawai‘i, an event dedicated to remembrance, peace, and reflection. The performance also featured a rare artistic meeting with Hawaiian cultural icon Keola Beamer, who performed on the Hawaiian nose flute. The meeting of these two breath-based instruments created a powerful expression of cultural connection and shared humanity.
I also collaborated with internationally acclaimed cellist Udi Bar-David, bringing together the expressive voices of shakuhachi and cello in a cross-cultural celebration of sound.
At the World Shakuhachi Festival 2025, I was honored to collaborate with renowned shakuhachi masters Motonaga Hiromu and Tsujimoto Yoshimi, whose innovative approaches continue to expand the possibilities of contemporary shakuhachi performance.
Recordings & Sacred Sound
My recordings explore the timeless voice of the shakuhachi—from the meditative depth of traditional honkyoku to contemporary expressions inspired by centuries of Japanese musical practice. Rooted in authentic lineage and guided by the relationship between breath, silence, and sound, each recording reflects the shakuhachi as both a musical instrument and a path of inner listening.
My recorded works include:
Searching (2026)
A collection exploring the concept of chōshi (調子)—the beginning, preparation, and awakening of sound. Drawing from multiple traditional lineages, this recording reflects my ongoing exploration of breath, tone, and the expressive possibilities of contemporary shakuhachi.
Recipient of the 2026 Asian Flute Award from the World Flute Society.
Kōchiku Shakuhachi Honkyoku, Vol. 1 (2025)
A presentation of core honkyoku repertoire from the Kōchiku Kai tradition, dedicated to preserving and sharing the depth of traditional shakuhachi music.
San Kyōrei: Sacred Music for Shakuhachi (2021)
A journey into the spiritual and meditative roots of shakuhachi, featuring traditional repertoire from several schools and lineages.
The Voice of Bamboo: Take no Koe (2015)
An exploration of the expressive voice of bamboo, blending traditional shakuhachi aesthetics with a personal artistic perspective.
Additional digital releases include works such as Sanya (Mountain Valley) and Fudaiji Chōshi, continuing my exploration of traditional repertoire and the living evolution of the shakuhachi. My recordings have been featured on Hawai‘i Public Radio’s Evening Concert and continue to share the sound of shakuhachi with audiences around the world.
For listening and digital releases, visit my Bandcamp page.
Film, Television & Media Recording
Authentic Shakuhachi for Visual StorytellingThe shakuhachi brings a rare voice to film, television, and media—a sound shaped by breath, silence, and emotional depth.
Drawing from more than 30 years of traditional study, I provide authentic shakuhachi recordings for filmmakers, composers, producers, and creative projects seeking a distinctive human and cultural voice.
Available services include:
• Custom soundtrack recordings
• Solo melodies and traditional repertoire
• Improvised textures and cinematic atmospheres
• Meditation and contemplative soundscapes
• Collaboration with composers and music directors
• Remote studio recording or in-person sessions
Whether the project calls for a haunting solo line, a moment of stillness, or a connection to Japanese tradition, I approach each collaboration with the goal of serving the story.
For recording and collaboration inquiries:
Email: scasano@punahou.edu
Performing with Udi Bar-David
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With the legendary Keola Beamer at the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Ceremony Hawai'i 2025
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With Motonaga Hiromu and Tsujimoto Yoshimi at the World Shakuhachi Festival 2025
A path shaped by silence, breath, and centuries of tradition