Based in Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, the Myochin family of “Katchu-shi” (*1) or armorers since the Heian Period (794~1185), have created “Myochin Fire Chopstick Wind Chimes” that serve as an exquisite example even today of their unique craftsmanship.

Famous musicians in Japan and overseas, such as Tomita Isao (*2) and Stevie Wonder, have spoken highly of the fascinating timbre of these chimes. When a gentle breeze brings these four iron fire chopsticks (*3) into contact, they produce a beautiful, refreshingly cool sound. With a combination of frequencies and length of reverberations that no other instrument could emulate, the sound of these chimes is extremely satisfying to the ear. Stevie Wonder lavished praise on them, saying, “When you listen to them close up, they seem to be resonating from a distance. That’s the mysterious timbre of the Orient.”

*1 “Katchu-shi”: Craftsmen who manufactured traditional Japanese armor and helmets to protect the bodies and heads of warriors. It is believed that the manufacture of armor made of iron in Japan began sometime between the 4th and 6th centuries A.D.

*2 Tomita Isao: (1932-2016) Composer, arranger and synthesizer player. Active in composing TV drama theme songs, movie music and electronic music. From 1969 onwards, he concentrated on performing and making recordings of classical masterpieces with a contemporary interpretation on a synthesizer and he became famous throughout the world. The albums he released all became global hits.

*3: Fire chopsticks: iron tongs used when handling charcoal in Japan. Charcoal is a fuel made by partially burning wood to remove the volatile constituents and convert it into carbon. Following the second world war, before gas, petroleum and electricity became widespread, charcoal was the most popular fuel used on a daily basis in industry and the home.

Shizuko Shibuya
Editor, Kanko-Sha Co.,Ltd