Japanese Literary Awards

← Back to Home

Kifu Mitsuhashi

みつはし きふう

Mitsuhashi Kifu

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1950-03-10 （Kunitachi, Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Shakuhachi player, Music educator
Active Years
1972-
Affiliations
Japan Music Ensemble, Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (Faculty), Osaka College of Music (Visiting Professor), Kinkoryu Shakuhachi Kifu-kai (Headmaster)
Memberships
Japan Music Ensemble, Kinkoryu (Kinko-ryu Shakuhachi School)
Influenced By
Sasaki Sōfū, Okamoto Chikugai

Education

Aoyama Gakuin University
Country: Japan
NHK Traditional Music Training Program (17th Class)
Traditional Japanese Music
Period: 1972
Year of Graduation: 1972
Country: Japan
Graduated from the 17th class in 1972 and became a member of the Japan Music Ensemble.

Awards

Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival — Excellence Award
1980
Work: Kifu Mitsuhashi: 1st Shakuhachi Recital
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result: 受賞
Nakajima Kenzō Music Prize
1991
Result: 受賞
Yokohama Cultural Award — Encouragement Prize
1992
Category: 奨励賞
Organization: Yokohama City
Result: 受賞
Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival — Grand Prize
2009
Work: Kifu Mitsuhashi: Shakuhachi Honkyoku Space — The Trajectory of 'Kundara Han'
Category: 大賞
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result: 受賞
Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Award — Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award
2010
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result: 受賞
Medal with Purple Ribbon
2011
Organization: Cabinet Office
Result: 受章
Order of the Rising Sun (Small Rays)
2020
Organization: Cabinet Office
Result: 叙勲

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Kifu Mitsuhashi: 1st Shakuhachi Recital

1980 Traditional Japanese music (Shakuhachi)

His first shakuhachi recital. The 1980 performance was recognized with an Excellence Award at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival.

Shakuhachi honkyokuSolo performanceFusion of tradition and contemporary elements

Shakuhachi Honkyoku Space: The Trajectory of 'Kundara Han'

2009 Traditional Japanese music (Shakuhachi)

A 2009 recital work for which he was awarded the Grand Prize at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival.

Exploration of honkyokuSpatial expressionMeditative elements

NOBLE flute (synthetic resin shakuhachi)

Instrument development

Developed the 'NOBLE' synthetic resin shakuhachi for wider use and obtained a patent for the instrument.

Instrument developmentTechnological innovationPromotion/accessibility

Bibliography

  • Kifu Mitsuhashi: 1st Shakuhachi Recital
  • Shakuhachi Honkyoku Space: The Trajectory of 'Kundara Han'
  • NOBLE flute (synthetic resin shakuhachi)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Expression rooted in traditional shakuhachi honkyokuEmphasis on dialogue with contemporary worksUse of ma (silence) and subtle tonal variation
Recurring Motifs
Phrases imitating the sound of windMelodies with a plaintive toneMeditative use of silence

Legacy

Highly regarded as an important shakuhachi performer both in Japan and abroad. Through education, instrument development, and recitals he has contributed to the promotion and international introduction of traditional Japanese music, and has received multiple awards and honors from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Cabinet Office.

Academic Societies

  • Japan Music Ensemble
  • Kinkoryu Shakuhachi Kifu-kai

In Popular Culture

  • Produced 'Hogaku Ishin Collaboration' with Demon Kakka
  • Participated in the instrumental unit 'Mugen Kamon'

Trivia

  • Developed the 'NOBLE' synthetic-resin shakuhachi and obtained a patent.
  • Developed the 'Uchina' shakuhachi and acquired a utility model registration.
  • Since 2000 has produced Demon Kakka's 'Hogaku Ishin Collaboration'.
  • Performed in Carnegie Hall's 100th anniversary concert with conductor Hiroshi Wakasugi and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
  • Born in Kunitachi, Tokyo.