Napa

The napa [なぱ; also napi, nakapi, or nakappa] is a reedy, flute-like instrument originating from southern Aoma Prefecture, an area once known as Aoki Province. It is used in traditional music throughout the country, though its association with Aoma remains strong. The napa is considered one of Kanton's most iconic and famous traditional instruments, and its sound has enjoyed multiple periods of popularity through history.
== History ==
While it is clear that the napa's ancestor originated from China around the 10th century, the specific development of napa as its own instrument is not known with certainty, largely because written records were not kept, nor was it considered anything more than a 'peasant's instrument' for many years. What is known is that the napa originated from the south of modern-day Aoma, in a province called Aoki, which was then a rice-farming region. 
The napa was originally used by soldiers, sailors and even common labourers to send signals or messages across long distances. The instrument, which is reedy yet rich, is resonant enough to carry a clear sound across several miles. Different playing styles of the napa were developed for different purposes: a stilted, sharp style called chakuri was used on a practical level, often for sending signals, whereas the more fluid, melodic style hashari was used for entertainment. Sometimes the two were combined into ōdari, a 'dancing-style', which was upbeat and catchy.
During the late 18th century, many locally-known napa players moved to growing urban centres in Kanton such as Kaimon to gain recognition for their skill. This migration was part of a larger movement, known as mingata, which occurred as a result of the traditional arts becoming more popular in Kanton. Napa enjoyed many bouts of popularity throughout the decades, and as a result of its exposure to the public, more and more skilled musicians began to emerge. By the mid-1800s, the napa had spread throughout Kanton and could be heard in many traditional music bands, known as kyūkotsu. As these bands toured the nation, they spread interest in the once-obscure instrument even more.