Watazumido-Shuso

Watazumido-Shuso, more accurately known as Watazumi Doso Roshi, was a renowned master of the end-blown Japanese bamboo flute. Born on November 20, 1911, in Fukuoka, Japan, he studied Rinzai Zen and attained the title of roshi. Watazumi was known for playing the unlacquered hotchiku, emphasizing the importance of using instruments with their most natural state to truly understand nature and oneself. This philosophy led him to develop "Watazumido," a spiritual discipline that combines music with physical exercise, notably using the jō stick for invigoration and training.

Watazumi Doso's contributions to music are celebrated through albums like *The Mysterious Sounds of the Japanese Bamboo Flute*. His music has been featured in films such as *The Sacrifice* by Andrei Tarkovsky. He continued to teach and perform until his passing on December 14, 1992. Notable students include Katsuya Yokoyama. Watazumi's legacy remains significant in the realm of traditional Japanese music and Zen practice.

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