Home People Pieces Recordings Bibliography Schools Glossary Sites & Events Teachers Join the ISS Log In

Hachigaeshi (Taizan Ha)

鉢返

[Genre]Honkyoku
[School]Taizan Ha - 対山派
Chikuho Ryû

History (Tokuyama Takashi):

Often included with Hifumi-no-shirabe, this piece is considered an introduction to koten honkyoku for beginning shakuhachi students. Played as one piece, Hifum-no-shirabe and Hachigaeshi becomes short and interesting "etude." Many high (kan) notes are utilized, expanding the technique of the beginning student. Notes in the higher register also demand more stamina, as well as lip and breath control, on the part of the musician. Literally, the title translates as "return the bowl." Zen monks (the komuso among them) retain the privilege of receiving alms from the government and local patrons. As such, there is not a strict feeling of personal gratitude. The piece therefore reflects a feeling of receiving, and does not necessarily express thanks.

Hachigaeshi (Taizan Ha) appears on the following albums

Album Artist

Art of the Shakuhachi Vol I Shakuhachi : Mitsuhashi Kifu
This piece, yet another take-shirabe, was also introduced to the Kyoto Myoanji by Higuchi Taizan. Hachi means bowl, and refers to the begging bowl that Buddhist monks used to collect donations. Kaeshi (or -gaeshi) means ‘return’ and signifies the music that a komuso played for the donor after receiving a small contribution of rice or coins. Hachigaeshi thus functioned as an expression of gratitude.

In contrast to Hifumi-cho, which uses only the lower range of the instrument, the melody of Hachi-gaeshi employs mostly notes in a high range.

Hi Fu Mi Shakuhachi : Renkei Hashimoto
Returning the Bowl (for alms)
A piece to thank the rice alms received.
Play ButtonIchion Jobutsu Shakuhachi : Matsumoto Kyozan

Koten Shakuhachi Gaku Zen Shū - 1 Shakuhachi : Takeuchi Shikō
Play ButtonMichi Shakuhachi : Tokuyama Takashi
Shinporyu-hachigaeshi: While sharing titles with the first piece, these two pieces actually come from two distinct traditions. Sinporyu-hachigaeshi is of a more ancient style, which gives it a more natural or even primitive quality. It is implied that one should play this piece as quietly as possible, so that one would not even disturb an ill person if one were to play right next to the patient's pillow. Shinporyu-hachigaeshi also has a Buddhist sutra attached to it, which may suggest that at one time the chanting of sutras was done to shakuhachi accompaniment.
Play ButtonMichi Shakuhachi : Tokuyama Takashi
Often included with Hifumi-no-shirabe, this piece is considered an introduction to koten honkyoku for beginning shakuhachi students. Played as one piece, Hifum-no-shirabe and Hachigaeshi becomes short and interesting "etude." Many high (kan) notes are utilized, expanding the technique of the beginning student. Notes in the higher register also demand more stamina, as well as lip and breath control, on the part of the musician. Literally, the title translates as "return the bowl." Zen monks (the komuso among them) retain the privilege of receiving alms from the government and local patrons. As such, there is not a strict feeling of personal gratitude. The piece therefore reflects a feeling of receiving, and does not necessarily express thanks.
Play ButtonMyoan Sanjunana Sei Tanikita Muchiku Shu - 1 Shakuhachi : Tanikita Muchiku Roan

Standing Waves (CD) Shakuhachi : Torsten Olafsson