On the 26th of May 2024, I had my kaiden ceremony in Fuke Myōan shakuhachi at Myōan-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. It was very interesting. After having played more than 34 years of shakuhachi, it is not that it was really important for me to become a dōshū – as it is called when you pass your kaiden. Kaiden can be compared to shihan in other shakuhachi lineages. I had officially studied a bit more than 5 years as a member of Myōan kyōkai – 5 years is a minimum you have to have been a member before you can do your kaiden even if you play shakuhachi well. That was also ok. I believe it takes a while to really understand a new style. To internalise the aesthetics and playing style for real. I studied with Sakai Seian Genshin, the 42nd kansu of Myōan-ji. He is a wonderful player and person. Actually a really interesting person. I also organise the World Shakuhachi Day on October 8 with him. It has been such a gift to get to know him and work with him. I am grateful. But I have to sat, my shakuhachi heart remains in Zensabo. There is no daubt bout that.
One of the more difficult side of the Kaiden ceremony was the clothing. Oh my goodness! I had to wear either a white or black kimono. I chose to buy a white kimono. Under that you have to wear a nagajiban. I brought one from Denmark. Under that there should be special underwear but I just had a t-shirt and knickers. On top of the kimono, I had hakama on. I had been looking forward to it as hakama as I had seen so far was tightened around the hip. But Alas! Women’s hakama was tightened much higher – and to my disappointment just as uncomfortable as kimono! On top of that I had a jittoku – a kind of monk’s wear on top. I was so hot.
Here I am with all my clothing. At the end of the ceremony we had to each give a speech. I was so hot I could hardly speak!
There were some religious aspect of the ceremony. Everyone recitered hanya shingyō – the heart sutra. We were 5, who did our kaiden ceremony together. They were all Chinese students of Shimizu sensei, who unfortunately passed away in December. It was nice to be able to say hello to his wife after the ceremony. I know her from long ago. The Chinese students did not dress according to the rules and had only white kimono on. They looked less hot than me, so I was very jealous. We all played one of the 3 san kyorei pieces each facing the Kyochiku Zenji statue. I played Mukaiji. That was fine. I could feel the big difference between the others who had played 8-10 years and me. They were nervous. It really meant something for them. I had less at stake.
Waiting for the jyūshoku or the head monk of Myōan-ji Temple to finish his ceremonial doings.
Chanting Hannya Shingyō – heart sutra
Playing Choshi together!
Playing Choshi together. Everyone could take part in that.
After the ceremony, there were of House photo sessions.
The 5 new kaiden people in the back. The head of Doshukai left, head monk of Myōan-ji, kansu.
With the 2, who are also students of Sakai Seian Genshin, who came to support me: Left Sangen Salo from Finland and Jared Stanford from New Zealand.
Sakai Seian Genshin and myself in front of the gate of Myōan-ji Temple in Kyoto.
In front of the so-called Suiten stone at Myōan-ji. With friends and family. From left:
Fru Miyatani French, Inoue Sayuri, my uncle Mizuno Tadatoshi, me, Sakai Seian Genshin,
After the ceremony we went to an izakaya to have a meal. Shimura Zenpo and Kurahashi Yodo II joined us. They were not allowed to come to the ceremony because of secrecy. I was very happy my uncle came. Many friends came and that made my day!