Remote Shakuhachi Recording Tokyo, Japan
Authentic Japanese shakuhachi, professionally recorded in Tokyo and delivered worldwide.
From written parts and MIDI mockups to original phrases, improvisation and cinematic textures, I can create performances that fit naturally into your production.
Shakuhachi for Media
The shakuhachi can be delicate and meditative, but it can also be powerful, raw, rhythmic and dramatic.
I work with composers and producers to create shakuhachi performances for film, video games, songs, ambient music, trailers and other media.
You do not need to be familiar with traditional shakuhachi notation. Send me a standard score, MIDI mockup, reference track, audio demo or simply describe the sound and atmosphere you are looking for.
I will help translate your musical idea into a natural and playable shakuhachi performance.
Services
Already have a finished part?
Send me your score, MIDI or mockup and I will record a professional shakuhachi performance that fits your arrangement.
Suitable for:
Not sure what the shakuhachi should play?
Send me your track and a description of the mood or role you want, and I can create a suitable shakuhachi part for your music.
This is ideal when your project needs an authentic shakuhachi sound but the part has not yet been written.
Shakuhachi is especially expressive when used beyond written melodies.
I can record improvisations and expressive textures including breath, attacks, bends, ornaments, sustained tones and other characteristic shakuhachi sounds.
Ideal for:
Is the shakuhachi part open to interpretation?
When the part is left open, I can provide multiple phrase options where appropriate.
Harmonies, doubled parts and other layers can also be recorded as additional parts.
Recording Samples
Hear how the shakuhachi can work across different styles and production contexts.
Cinematic
A powerful, expansive performance with a sense of lift and forward motion.
Meditative
A quiet, intimate performance shaped by breath, space and a delicate decay.
Atmospheric
An atmospheric piece focused on resonance, stillness and the space between notes.
Contemporary
A contemporary exploration of breath texture, silence and restrained expression.
UPBEAT / JAPANESE FUSION
Bright, fast-paced shakuhachi for energetic game scenes, festivals, animation and contemporary Japanese-inspired productions.
Audio samples are provided for listening purposes only. Unauthorized reuse or redistribution is prohibited.
Profile
Shakuhachi Performer
Akihiko Yamano is a professional shakuhachi performer trained in the Kinko-ryu tradition. He studied under Keisuke Zenyoji, a designated Living National Treasure of Japan, and completed the NHK Japanese Traditional Music Training Program.
His recording work ranges from traditional Japanese music to contemporary productions, including video games, film, animation and other media. Depending on the needs of the music, he can provide everything from traditional shakuhachi tone to breathy textures, powerful attacks and expressive cinematic phrases.
Sessions can be based on standard notation, MIDI, reference audio, or a general description of the sound and atmosphere you are looking for.
Why Work With Me
A professional shakuhachi player based in Japan, with extensive experience in live performance, recording and traditional Japanese music.
From traditional shakuhachi expression to contemporary, cinematic and game music, the performance can be adapted to the musical context of your project.
Sessions are recorded using professional microphones, preamps and audio equipment in my private recording environment in Tokyo.
The entire process can be completed remotely, from consultation and recording to review and final WAV delivery.
Process
Send your score, MIDI, demo, backing track, reference music or project description. Please include the tempo, key, deadline and intended use if available.
I will review your materials and confirm the musical direction, recording requirements, delivery format and price. If you are unsure what kind of shakuhachi part you need, that is completely fine.
I record the shakuhachi in my professional recording environment in Tokyo. If required, real-time remote direction can also be discussed in advance.
You will receive high-quality WAV files ready to import into your DAW or production session. One round of minor revisions is included.
Delivery
Professional WAV files suitable for music, film and game production.
Files can be delivered at the sample rate required for your project.
Clean recordings suitable for your own mixing and processing.
For open-ended parts, I can provide multiple phrase options where appropriate.
Equipment
Professional recording equipment is used to capture the natural detail, breath and dynamics of the shakuhachi—ready for use in your production.
Pro Tools
RME FireFace UFX
audio technica AT5040
MASS-kobo model 359
NEUMANN KM184
audio technica AT4081
RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS SHELFORD CHANNEL
MILLENNIA HV-3C
GRACE DESIGN M101
SSL alpha vhd pre
Pricing
Choose a single track or save with a bundle for an album, game, film or other multi-track project.
USD 150
For one track booked on its own.
Get a QuoteUSD 280
Save USD 20
Two tracks booked and recorded together.
Get a QuoteUSD 390
Save USD 60
Three tracks booked and recorded together.
Get a Quote+USD 120 per track
+50% of the base rate per part
Up to 8 bars
USD 50
When a part is specified in a score or MIDI, I deliver a single, fully realised take.
When the part is left open, I can provide multiple phrase options where appropriate.
One round of minor revisions is included.
Bundle pricing applies when multiple tracks are booked and recorded together as part of the same project. Each track covers one shakuhachi part of approximately 5 minutes or less. Each additional part adds 50% of the base rate. Rates may vary depending on performance requirements, special techniques, or arrangement requirements. Rush delivery and major re-recording are quoted separately.
Payment
Payment is accepted via PayPal. Once the project scope, fee, and delivery schedule have been confirmed, a secure PayPal invoice will be sent by email.
You can pay using PayPal or an eligible major credit or debit card. A PayPal account is not required.
For projects under USD 300, full payment is required before recording begins. For projects of USD 300 or more, a 50% deposit is required before recording, with the remaining balance due before delivery of the final audio files.
Prices are quoted in US dollars unless otherwise agreed. Payment processing costs are included in the quoted project fee, and no separate PayPal surcharge will be added. Your bank or card provider may apply its own currency conversion or international transaction fees.
Cancellation and refunds
The deposit becomes non-refundable once recording has begun. Any additional cancellation or refund conditions will be confirmed in the quotation before payment.
Have a track ready? Send your project details to receive a personalized quotation.
Request a QuoteInternational Projects
Distance is not a problem.
Recording projects can be handled entirely online, making it possible to work with composers, producers and studios anywhere in the world.
I have experience working remotely with international clients and production teams. Communication, file exchange, recording and delivery can all be completed online.
FAQ
No. Standard staff notation, MIDI, an audio mockup or reference track is usually enough. If you do not have a written part, I can also help create a shakuhachi part based on your music.
Yes. Send me your music and describe the role, mood or atmosphere you want from the shakuhachi. I can suggest and record a part that works naturally within the track.
Yes. Traditional shakuhachi techniques can be used in many different musical contexts, including film scores, game music, ambient music, pop, rock and experimental productions.
High-quality WAV files will be delivered online. The exact file format and sample rate can be matched to the requirements of your project.
Many shakuhachi recording projects can be completed within a few days. The exact turnaround depends on the length, complexity and current schedule, so please include your deadline when contacting me.
Absolutely. The entire process can be handled remotely, from the initial discussion through recording and final file delivery.
If real-time direction is important for your project, a remote directed session can be discussed in advance. Otherwise, reference tracks, notes and timecode instructions work very well for most projects.
Please tell me how the recording will be used when requesting a quote. Usage and project requirements will be confirmed before recording begins.
Payment is accepted via PayPal. After the project details and quotation have been confirmed, a PayPal invoice will be sent by email.
No. You can pay through the PayPal invoice using an eligible credit or debit card without creating a PayPal account.
Projects under USD 300 require full payment before recording begins. For projects of USD 300 or more, a 50% deposit is required before recording, and the remaining balance is due before delivery of the final audio files.
Recording Inquiry
Tell me about your music, film, game or other production.
You do not need to know exactly what to ask for. Send me your track, reference or idea and I will help determine the best way to use the shakuhachi in your project.
Quotes are free.
That is completely fine. Send me your music and tell me what you want the scene or track to feel like.
Prefer marketplace-based payment and project management? You can also hire me through SoundBetter or LANDR.