Kinbaku lesson in Akechi ryu by Mr. S., Tokyo, Japan

Our third day in Japan (April 2, 2006) was a very special day for me. I have been admiring the work of nawashi Akechi Denki ever since I saw the first images of his work. His work radiates tradition, beauty and suffering; all the things that attract me to kinbaku. Unfortunately the master passed away last year (see previous entries in this blog) and his work, his secrets can no longer be learned from him.

The man that has been by the side of Akechi Denki for over 20 years, that dedicated his life to the master (and is obviously, I now know, still not over this loss) is trying to carry on the master’s style through lessons. Lessons mainly thought to Japanese people; this makes me feel even more privileged to have had this opportunity to study kinbaku in Akechi ryu.