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| Within the Gate. |
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| The 22 meter tall Sanmon Gate at Tofukuji is the oldest Zen gate of its kind, dating back to 1425. One climbs a steep narrow step stairway without guardrails to find an ancient area of statues and quiet. It is only open to the public a few times a year. |
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| The main altar entrance is visible beyond the center of the gate. |
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| Recently released recordings of the Taizan-ha repertoire. Of the 39 pieces, Sakai Shodo played 27 pieces on a Gyokusui III jinashi to represent his life work in this definitive Chikuho ryu interpretation of Taizan honkyoku. The 12 remaining honkyoku were played on two shakuhachi by Gyokusui II, which if made in the last 30 years, would have found Gyokusui III doing the prep and even finishing work. Of all the bamboo instruments in the world, Sakai Shodo chose living maker Gyokusui III for most of this recorded legacy. Impressive. |
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| Advanced players blow the bore on the side to improve the resonant harmonic tonalities of some bamboo, adding a distinctive sawari that compliments nature and sound. |
