Will be shipped in a semi-hard case. (This is the 9800 yen item) Purchased last year and have been playing it regularly to break in the leather. It has been carefully maintained. I have used it a lot, but there are no particular scratches. Material: Yaeyama Akaiyushigi (core) Model: Makabi Color: Black (glossy) Body: Both sides single sheet of genuine leather (Chagi) Karakui: Made with Yaeyama Kuroyushigi. It has a slightly high-pitched sound and can be used for both classical and folk music.