Final answer:
The shakuhachi bamboo flute was first heard during the Heian Period (794-1185 CE), and it gained prominence during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Edo (1603-1868) periods, reflected in the flourishing arts among the samurai class.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute, is an instrument that has played a significant role in Japanese music and culture. Its origins are often attributed to the Heian Period, which lasted from 794 CE to 1185 CE. This period is notable for the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan, the rise of the samurai class, and significant cultural developments.
During the Kamakura period, from 1185-1333, the arts flourished among the samurai class, which included musical instruments such as the shakuhachi. The Edo Period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, further solidified the shakuhachi's place in Japanese culture, as this was a time when economic growth and the flourishing arts were greatly encouraged.