Movie “Fukin” Website

Summary

In the Showa era (1926-1989), reed organs, known as fukin when first imported in the Meiji era (1868-1912), were placed in classrooms across schools in Japan. What has become of these organs in the 21st-century? There are currently no manufacturers producing new reed organs. Teruo Wakui (b. 1937), a restorer of reed organs living in Nagano Prefecture, is one of the few individuals capable of restoring and maintaining these complex instruments, which produce sound through vibrating metal reeds. This documentary portrays the restoration work carried out by Mr. Wakui and the people who continue to support the unique appeal of reed organs. It features people who cherish and lovingly play this gentle, foot-pumped instrument in places such as Nagano, Matsuyama, Kurashiki, Kobe, Tokyo, and elsewhere.