そもそも、この尺八は母が嫁ぐ時に、
「竹屋に嫁ぐのだから」
と、母の実家のお父さんが持たせてくれた一管だそうです。それが長い年月の間に割れが入ったもんやき、どうしようと思いよったところ、毎年竹を買いに来られるアメリカの尺八作家レベンソンさんが直しちゃるという事で預けちょりました。
それが先日、この思い出の品が太平洋を渡って帰ってきました。昔の着物の生地で縫うたような落ち着いた入れ物に入っちゅうがです。とりだしてビックリ！こりゃあ、たまるか、綺麗になっちゅう！見違えるにようなって竹虎に届いたがです。さっそく、学生時代フルートでならした一人が名乗りをあげてひと吹き。晴れ上がった高知の秋空に、アメリカ帰りの尺八の音色が響きます。まあ、そう簡単に吹けんきに、びっくと（少し）やけんどね。
Monty Levenson / Tai Hei Shakuhachi Flutes 返信
Konichiwa Yamagishi Family.
Just today, I noticed this post, written 14 years ago, for the very first time! How wonderful and special. I was deeply honored when your mother entrusted me to bring this shakuhachi—a precious family heirloom—back to life and singing again. I carried it across the Pacirfic Ocean from your home in Awa, Kochi-ken to my workshop in northern California, then delivered it whole again back into your hands. The entire experience was like a dream within a dream. Domo arigato gosaimasu. I am humbled by your faith and trust in me.
I have now been making shakuhachi in America for 52 years, using Taketora bamboo for much of this time. My wife Kayo & I look forward to visiting and seeing you as we have every year, but the Covid-19 pandemic made travel to Japan impossible since 2020. Now that Japan has opened up to visa-free travel, we hope to return again very soon.
Yoroshiku to Bachan and all of our Yamagishi brothers & sisters in bamboo.
Take care. Be well.
Monty
竹虎四代目 返信
Thank you, Monty and your wife. We are very happy that the shakuhachi has led us to come all the way from America to our factory many times. Last time I visited Taketora, I had Monty perform in the factory. I still can't forget that beautiful tone. Many customers from overseas are now coming to Japan, so if you have the chance, please come and see Tiger Bamboo. I would love to visit your workshop at least once. thank you.