May 29-31, 2026
Friday morning, the Altan Restaurant, Prague, U Trojského zámku 717/11
Friday afternoon till Sunday, the Orangery of Troja Château, Prague, U Trojského zámku 1/4
Apply at info@neiro.org
John Kaizan Neptune is a shakuhachi master player and a master maker based in Chiba, Japan. John Kaizan’s analytical approach to shaping the bore has enabled him to fine-tune individual notes across the three octaves range, thus creating a well-balanced, precisely tuned instruments with projection comparable to western classical instruments. In recent years, he has expanded his understanding to also produce extraordinary jinashi shakuhachi.
Over three days, you will be cutting, drilling and filing bamboo to make a jinashi shakuhachi. John Kaizan Neptune will help you and show you how to precisely shape the bore and fix the problems your instrument may have. Under Kaizan’s guidance, you can make a jinashi shakuhachi from start to finish (as much as time permits). Or, you can bring a semi-finished shakuhachi into the workshop in order to finish it under his supervision.
John Kaizan’s flutes appear on stage in the hands of Japanese and international masters such as Kifu Mitsuhashi, Kuroda Reison, James Nyoraku Schlefer, Kakizakai Kaoru, Adrian Freedman and many others.
Besides being a shakuhachi maker, John Kaizan Neptune is an extraordinary shakuhachi player, pioneer of the jazz shakuhachi, and a composer.
You will be provided with the necessary making tools, but you are welcome to bring your own. You can either order a prime bamboo blank from Kaizan’s professional bamboo hunter, or you can use one of his free rootend blanks with unusual length or node placement (lengths 2.0 to 2.3). While they might not conform to aesthetic standards, these blanks will provide for a playable instrument.
The workshop capacity is seven people only. Makers of all levels, including absolute beginners, are welcome. There will be enough time for everyone.
Conditions:
To ensure an intensive experience, the workshop is open to 7 participants only.
All sales of participation fees are final and cannot be refunded; the only exception being the cancellation of the event as a whole, in which case all payments for participation will be refunded in full latest by 31. 12. 2026. The organisers reserve the right to alter the program of the event if necessary. By paying for the ticket or pass you agree to this policy.
Standard fee (including 1 bamboo blank): 8750 CZK (approx. 335 EUR)
Apply at: info@neiro.org
Bamboo:
John Kaizan Neptune can provide the workshop participants with one bamboo blank per person. These bamboo blanks are coming from Kaizan’s own storage and have unusual length or node placement. While they might not conform to aesthetic standards these blanks will provide for a playable instrument.
Please send request to info@neiro.org
High quality bamboo from Kaizan’s bamboo hunter can cost approx. 20,000 to 70,000 Yen, a piece. John Kaizan Neptune is happy to oversee the purchase, to ensure you get what you want.
Please send request to info@neiro.org
Of course, you can bring your own bamboo or a semi-finished shakuhachi.
Schedule (29-31 May, 2026)
Friday, 29th May
10:00 introduction (ALTAN RESTAURANT)
10:30 start of teaching
12:00 lunch (75 minutes)
13:00 Teaching (Orangery of Troja Château)
17:00 end of teaching
Saturday, 30th May
10:00 start of teaching
12:00 lunch (75 minutes)
17:00 end of teaching
Sunday, 31st May
10:00 start of teaching
12:00 lunch (75 minutes)
16:00 end of teaching
Notes:
If you have your own favourite set of tools, you are welcome to bring them. Standard drills, files and saws will be provided.
Bring a case for your new flutes.
The workshops will be conducted in English.
The shakuhachi making workshops are organised by NEIRO Association Expanding Arts