The komuso (??? komuso; Hiragana ????; also romanized komusou or komuso) were a group of Japanese mendicant monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism who flourished during the Edo period of 1600-1868.

Komuso were characterized by a straw basket (a sedge or reed hood named a tengai or tengui) worn on the head; manifesting the absence of specific ego. They were also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi (a type of Japanese bamboo flute). These pieces; called honkyoku ('original pieces') were played during a meditative practice called suizen; for alms; as a method of attaining enlightenment; and as a healing modality.

The Japanese government introduced reforms after the Edo period; abolishing the Fuke sect. Records of the musical repertoire survived; and are being revived in the 21st century. Pictures From History Tarourashima