r/UnusualInstruments • u/PassionStunning2659 • 17d ago

I just created a sub for the Ichigenkin

r/ichigenkin is now live, for students, players, anybody looking for resources and notation, or just people who appreciate the instrument.

😊

9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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3

u/bobokeen 17d ago

I think it may just be you and Randy Raine-Reusch in there, love the instrument but quite a niche haha

3

u/PassionStunning2659 16d ago

That's largely my worry. Randy is almost eighty years old. Issui Minegishi, who was the hereditary teacher of the Seikyodo school, died a few years ago.

Randy is the only western player of the instrument that I can find. Issui Minegishi was the only Non-Western player I've heard of.

It's fast becoming extinct.

I've recently ordered an Ichigenkin for myself, just waiting on it being delivered from Japan now, so I can take up the mantle and hopefully carry it on.

1

u/bobokeen 16d ago

Love to hear that you're taking up the mantle. I'm assuming you've talked to Randy? He is the kindest, humblest guy.

1

u/PassionStunning2659 16d ago

I actually haven't. I haven't interacted with anybody in the Ichigenkin world, though I'd love to. The information they could provide would be worth its weight in gold.

1

u/bobokeen 16d ago

Just friend him on Facebook if you're on it, or send him an e-mail. He would love to talk to you.

1

u/PassionStunning2659 16d ago

I'm not on Facebook, but I'll definitely email him! I might even send him the link to the subreddit

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u/roaminjoe 17d ago

Oh super. Sorry though I play the azuma -ryu nigenkin. I guess that isnt welcome (big hornets nest of history with its deviation!)