Celebrating our Fifth Hatsu-Uma Festival
21 February 2026
五回目の初午祭に令和8年2月21日に行いました。何年か前から粟原で太鼓を聞きたかくて、今回川越太鼓お陰様で実現できました。しかし、私だけではなくて、皆様はその低音の響を山坂から木霊にとってわくわくと聞こえました。旧交を温め、新しい絆を紡ぐことは、サスイチプロジェクトの核心と深く共鳴するものでした。
We held our fifth Hatsu-Uma shrine festival on 21 February 2026. For many years I have wished to hear the sound of TAIKO drums reverberating through the valley and this year it was finally realized through the participation of the KAWAGOE TAIKO group from KANAYA . I think not just me but everyone was excited to hear the mountainside echoing. Rekindling old connections while making new ones is what SASU・ICHI is all about.
Sasu・Ichi in New Book on the Beauty of Kominka
1 July 2024
A new must-have reference for all kominka enthusiasts was published today by Hasegawa Kazuo and Museyon Publishing. Kominka: The Beauty and Wisdom of the Japanese Traditional House has three parts: an introduction that includes interviews with two foreigners who have acquired minka; a guide to 101 places around Japan that have interesting minka that can be visited; and a diary of Hasegawa-san’s project to re-locate and re-use an old minka from Niigata prefecture.
The first part includes a chapter on Alex Kerr’s reflections on his houses and life journey which I’m sure will be interesting to all of his fans (note: you can also read about SASU・ICHI !). The second part is rapidly adding to my “bucket list” of must-see places and the inclusion of maps and extensive photos makes it really fun to pick up and browse. Finally, I am finding Hasegawa-san’s diary a fascinating glimpse into his design decisions and re-construction challenges. The small format and bookmark ribbon make it a very cute addition to your coffee table or gift for a friend. Be sure to check it out!
Kawasemi Cottage on ‘kominka solo life’
30 December 2022
This video series focused on the simple things in life profiled a stay at Kawasemi Cottage and a soak in Awaya Sento. Watch from 6’08”…
Chaya Hotaru Second Anniversary - Performance of Hana Ikada
10 September 2022
Hana Ikada （花筏）is a classic duet in the koto repertoire portraying, in sound, a scene of flowers floating and swirling on the water's surface. Alternating between fast and slow, bold and soft, and sweet and discordant tones it creates a mesmerizing atmosphere for contemplation. It is not a particularly difficult piece but it requires a solid partnership between the two koto players as they answer and echo each other's musical phrases. I am privileged to have such a wonderful teacher! Thanks very much to Itou Takeshi for the video, to the SasuIchi goldfish for their synchronized swimming, and to everyone who attended.
『花筏』という曲は箏のデュエットで、水面に浮き沈みしながら流れる花の様子を描いたものです。速・遅、強・弱、苦・甘の調べのコントラストが聞く人を夢中にする雰囲気があります。あまり難しい曲ではありませんが、奏者がお互いの音に応え、お互いの音に共鳴して合わせる力が必要になります。このように素晴らしい先生に恵まれ、一緒に演奏できたことを光栄に思います。ビデオを撮った伊東猛さんへ、シンクロナイズドスイミングしたサスイチの金魚さんへ、聞きに来て下さった皆様へも感謝したいです！！
