Hyōshigi

Template:Short description Template:Italic title Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox instrument The Template:Nihongo is a simple Japanese musical instrument, consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo often connected by a thin ornamental rope. The clappers are played together or on the floor to create a cracking sound. Sometimes they are struck slowly at first, then faster and faster.

Theater

Hyōshigi are used in traditional Japanese theaters, such as Kabuki and Bunraku theater, to announce the beginning of a performance.<ref name="Clappers"/> The kyogen-kata usually plays the hyoshigi at the start of comedic plays.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It can be used to attract the attention of the audience by conductors for theater and even athletic and juggling performances.<ref name="PiggottSouthgate1893">Template:Cite book</ref> Hyōshigi are also used to stress confusion,<ref name="Clappers"/> and other dramatic moments,<ref name="Brazell1998">Template:Cite book</ref> in the play.

Religion

It is also often used to signal the starting or the end of parts of festivals, especially in the directing of the mikoshi.

Hyōshigi is combined with other traditional Japanese instruments in mikagura-uta, or cycle of songs, which is characteristic of the Tenrikyo religion.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>

Other uses

The clapping instrument was also used in Kamishibai to gather children so that the Kamishibai man could sell candy and entertain them with his story.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The wooden percussion instrument was also used by night-watchmen when patrolling the streets.<ref name="PiggottSouthgate1893"/>

Volunteer Fire Corps (Shōbōdan) patrols use the Hyoshigi during their night-patrols (yomawari) warning people about the danger of fire.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>