Lol, slacks and a dress shirt doesn't really seem like the ideal attire for this kind of work.

That's a kena.

What a great example of prioritizing the goal. Start with the traditional techniques and incorporate modern technology when it actually makes the product better. Not just progress for the sake of progress.

Native American style flutes from the Lakota use a cover for the fipple so are end blown, rather than a requiring a difficult or tiring embouchure from the players lips. They are thus end-blown and easier to play.

I find it interesting that the Lakota came up with that technology but the Japanese didn't (or don't commonly use it). This plus the fipple cover being decorative in design makes them better in my opinion.