Ken LaCosse dedicated more than 30 years of his life to flute making. It is with profound sadness that I
announce that he passed away in June 2019.
Ken first got involved with shakuhachi in 1987 after reading about a Japanese shakuhachi maker.
At first, using local bamboo, Ken started crafting shakuhachi by look and feel. Following these
initial experiments Ken sought out formal shakuhachi playing lessons
and started crafting traditional shakuhachi using Japanese bamboo.
Ken, who adopted the maker's name Mujitsu, created hundreds of flutes, which found their
way into the hands of players around the globe.
Ken's inquisitive nature spurred him on to constant experimentation of his shakuhachi design.
In 2002, Ken collaborated with Brain Tairaku Ritchie to create Taimu,
a shakuhachi of extended length and width.
Professional shakuhachi players from around the world perform and record on these instruments.
In addition to his status as a maker, Ken also created the world Shakuhachi Discussion group to foster shakuhachi knowledge. He
freely shared his experience through writing and instructional videos, inspiring a new generation of makers and players.
This website will be maintained so that others can access its resources and as a tribute to Ken's dedication, compassion and contribution to
shakuhachi flute making. Please direct any questions to suefrey@gmail.com. - Susanne Frey
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Welcome
to the Mujitsu Shakuhachi web site. Here you'll find shakuhachi flutes
made by Ken LaCosse of San Francisco, California.
Mujitsu Shakuhachi are played by students, teachers and professional
musicians throughout the world. These shakuhachi are made using a hand
adjusted bore technique. With this method, the natural shape of the
bore of the flute is used as much as possible, adjusting only where
necessary. To familiarize yourself with the Mujitsu method, please read
the flutemaking
approach section.
There is also a page of
photographs and descriptions of shakuhachi in stock
which changes periodically, so be sure to
return for the latest update.