Wind-chimes have their origin in India and China. There, it seemed to have been a way of fortune-telling and the custom came to Japan, where it gradually took its current form. In the beginning, wind-chimes were an expensive luxury that only graced the homes of feudal lords and rich merchants, but in the Edo period, the beautiful custom spread to the common people. In a time without fans and air conditioners, people needed different ways to combat the Japanese summer heat. Wind chimes evoked an image of coolness with their clear appearance and the soft sounds created by a breeze. On top of that, the Japanese people seem to have a deep connection to sounds, and bells also acted as amulets.

Mr. Shinohara is the master of Shinohara Maruyoshi Furin, creating Edo-style wind chimes for 46 years. He speaks both Japanese and English and is happy to teach people how to make their very own wind chime. The first step is glassblowing – giving shape to the glass with one’s breath, without any kind of mold or shape. The molten glass is blazing red and comes out of a kiln that is 1,300°C hot! This is where the Japanese wind chime experience begins.

The molten glass is wrapped around the tip of a long pipe, and the first step is to try and blow it into a little ball. Mr. Shinohara stands on the side and offers assistance: “A bit more!” and “This is good!” It seems to take about three years of practice until you can blow it up to the right size properly and nicely.

“You have to form your lips like when you say ‘chuu’! Softly, softly.”
Mr. Shinohara’s humorous explanations are greeted with joy, laughter, and a happy atmosphere.

Once the glass inflates to a good size, it is put in the kiln again, rolled, and a small hole is cut in the top before being blown bigger. This step is important for the sound and shape of the wind chime. While the student blows, Mr. Shinohara helps and rotates the pipe a bit to prevent the glass from losing shape. He says that it takes about seven years of practice and experience for one person to be able to do this alone by themselves.

“It is actually harder than it looks! At the beginning, I blew into it too hard, but got help with my second attempt and managed to do it.”

“You have to blow while turning the pipe, so it’s hard to keep your lips on it!

Once the wind chime has inflated to a proper size, its main body is completed.

Once the body of your own wind chime is complete, it’s time to paint! To not dull the glass’ own shine, the watercolor is painted inside the little bell. Pictures drawn in wind chimes traditionally have their very own symbolisms and meanings. The dragonfly, for example, means “moving forward,” which is why it’s also called “the winning insect” because it cannot fly backward. Fireworks rise in the air and explode in a loud bang, and their image has acted as a charm against evil since ancient times. Flowers symbolize gentleness at heart, and so on. It is entirely up to you if you make use of these traditional symbolisms or just freely paint whatever you like.

“It’s a summer thing, so I will probably go for fireworks.”
“I like pink, so I’ll draw pink flowers.”

Because it’s watercolor, you can redo your painting as many times as necessary. Since it’s difficult to start your picture on the inside, we recommend that you first do a sketch on the outside – it can be wiped away easily. Once the drawing is done, the body is placed inside – this is the thing that produces the sound when the wind chime is caught in the breeze. If you hold the bell in your hand and shake it gently, you can hear the chime’s gentle sounds.

Nineteen students all had the chance to make their very own Japanese wind chime. How was the experience?

“The inflation of the glass determines the sound of the wind chime, and I am happy that mine has a relaxing deep tone now.” (Nationality: Japan)

“I had fun experiencing this traditional craft. In a world that develops and moves very fast, I was able to feel the pride of a craftsman making something calmly.” (Nationality: China)

“I was a bit worried if I could do it at first, but being encouraged to make ‘the best wind chime in the world’ really was lovely.” (Nationality: Japanese)

“I was touched by the artisan’s spirit who has been doing this for over 45 years. He’s so knowledgeable about the history of his own craft, and the traditional method is also amazing. The paintings were beautiful and left an impression. Because there are craftsmen like this around, Japan is known to have great hand-made things.” (Nationality: Korea)

“It was nice to feel the atmosphere of old Edo in the small shop, and the experience was amazing. I had a lot of fun and am so happy with my finished wind chime.” (Nationality: Vietnam)

The wind chimes are wrapped in packing material and put in a box so that you can safely take them home. With a one-of-a-kind shape, a one-of-a-kind picture drawn on it, and a one-of-a-kind sound, they are an amazingly unique and very traditional souvenir of Japan, one that we recommend to each and every visitor. And once you’re back at home and hear the soft “chirin, chirin,” you’ll doubtlessly remember your wonderful experience at Shinohara Maruyoshi Furin in Asakusa.

Wind Chime Experience, available in English. (Reservation via form, fax, or email)
・Experience from glassblowing to painting (about 1,5 hours): 2,000 yen (tax included)
※available for elementary schoolers and older. (Children below that age have difficulty blowing the glass)
・Painting experience (about one hour): 1,500 yen (tax included)

※The glassblowing experience is time-limited:
2017 schedule: mid-March to early July (first half), mid-September to early December (second half)

Inquiry & Reservation

TEL: 03-3832-0227
FAX: 03-3832-0225
Mail: maruyosi@sam.hi-ho.ne.jp