Nōkan (Nō Flute) and Oral Transmission: Cohesion and Musicality through Mnemonics

The nōkan (nō flute) is traditionally taught in a mode of oral transmission that involves memorization of shōga (mnemonics). Shōga help bring a nō play to fruition by keeping the timing and allowing improvisation. This case study discusses the teaching of Issō Yukihiro, an Issō school performer, arguing that nōkan transmission is changing in contemporary practice by certain masters.