Before the Kaiden ceremony, which was the main purpose of this travel to Japan, I met up with so many wonderful shakuhachi people. Here are some of them:
We were a few shakuhachi players gathered at Tom Deaver’s iconic home in the mountains of Nagano. From left: A neighbour, Bill O’Connor, Ken – the son of Tom, Jared Stanford, Endo Kenji.Here we are in front of the Ichion jōbutsu stone at Tom Deaver’s place.In Osaka, I joined Inoue Sayuri’s lesson with Ishikawa Toshimitsu. Great time. Good teacher!Then I Sayuri and I met up with Fuu Miyatani French, who Took us to a temple in Osaka. Here is jyūshoku and Ohta san, who is a shakuhachi maker and player. He is continuing the tradition from Sakurai Muteki and Monden Tekiku.One of Ohta san’s flutes. They played really well. Ohta san’s shakuahchi with its characteristic root end. Very special!I realised I share more direct repertoire with more people after having studied Fuke Myōan shakuhachi. Here I play together with jyūshoku.Jyūshoku’s son played shō for us.Great Picture of us showing the atmosphere!We had dinner at the temple too!
I met up with the Fuke Myōan shakuhachi player Ishibashi Seigetsu and he Took me around. First we played at the shinto shrine Shimogamo Jinjya. No pictures as we were taken into a holy area where we were not allowed to take photos. Then we passed by Ishibashi san’s teacher’s grave. And did kenteki (offering of flute).
The grave yardPlaying in front of the grave of Tanikita Muchiku and the next 2 generations and played with all respect.Kenteki at Ukimidō or Mangetsu-ji on Lake Biwa.Me too.Then Ishibashi Seigetsu san Took me to Sebastian Shogetsu’s home. It was so nice to meet Sébastian in real life. He and his wife Reina were wonderful people, who had a great place that could in the future become a hub for shakuhachi players.Sébastian and I in his garden.
The next day I met up with Genshin sensei and Jared and Sangen. Together we visited Myōkō-ji Temple. Ishibashi Seigetsu san is organising a monthly shakuhachi gathering there. We took the opportunity to do a rehearsal for the next day’s Kaiden ceremony – at least for me.
At Myōkō-jiSangen also joined in and played. So did Jared.Here I was officially given the Sakurai Muteki shakuhachi. I love that flute. So grateful!Sangen with a beer!Jared and Genshin at an izakaya.
