raises hand I have a question … Sensei Kyle? Sensei Kevin? Sensei … anybody? 
I would say you can play it both ways, but when you get comfortable with having your right hand move along the rhythm automatically, it will ‘feel’ more natural to perform that sukui. Also you can get more sound from it if you like.
Hey Lorraine!
Just to throw in my humble opinion, I’d totally agree with Karls comment above. Tsugaru seems to embrace the variety and differences of one piece played amongst all the players out there.
However, with that said, I’d strongly advise giving it your best effort to aim and focus on that original phrases due to the technique involved. The sequence of [ strike ハスハ ] a.k.a hitting the strings, then hajiki, followed with sukui and another hajiki is used in many other pieces.
Give it time, drill slowly and eventually, like Karl mentioned, you’ll be much more natural with it and you can build up speed. =D
Cheers! And I can’t wait to see your final performance of Yasaburo!
You will post it, won’t you? Pretty please?
You guys are so nice, Thank You!
As I was looking through the other songs in the book, I noticed that particular pattern repeated a lot, so I kept practicing, and it’s getting a little better and a bit more natural feeling. I have to slow down at that part to play it correctly, so I just figure that until I get better, I’ll just pretend that that is me being “expressive” in my playing. I’ll close my eyes and toss my head a little, and maybe no one will notice the difference.
Oh! I was going to chime in, but you are already in the capable care of Karl and Josh. 
Good advice from both of them, I agree and approve!