In 1896, Nakao Tozan established a school in the Kawachi area near Osaka and this became the start of the Tozan Ryu of shakuhachi.
The Establishment of the Tozan Ryu was in response to western influences that had entered Japan at the time
Today it is the 2nd largest school next to the Kinko Ryu
A time signature is usually indicated at the beginning of a piece (except in the case of a Honkyoku). In the case of "Kanginuta" it is 4/4. Just as in western music you will have 4 beats per measure. Each beat is an eighth note. The first measure here is 1 half note (2 beats) and 2 quarter notes (2 beats).
The tempo of the piece is also indicated at the beginning.
There are many other differences, such as "momite and the otsu symbol" which would take up to much space to discuss here. If you have questions feel free to contact me.
The
Utaguchi (blowing edge) of the Shakuhachi was traditionally made out
of materials such as Buffalo Horn or Mother of Pearl.
Pictured left is a Kinko Style Utaguchi.
The
Tozan Ryu, in an effort to separate itself from the Kniko Ryu, changed
the shape of the Utaguchi.
This same practice was done by other schools as well.
Does the shape make a difference? Probably not in regard to sound. However, if you are a Tozan Ryu member, it would be a social faux paux to use a Kinko Shakuhachi.