These flutes are combined with percussion instruments such as a Japanese drums or bells, and are used to play the melody in 'matsuri-bayashi' (Japanese music), 'kagura' (sacred music and dancing performed at shrines), and 'shishimai' (lion dance).
和太鼓や鉦などの打楽器と共に用いられ、「祭囃子」「神楽」「獅子舞」の「主旋律」(メロディー)を担当する。