With their sounds protecting the town, wind bell production enters it's final stage/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206120036/

June 13, 2012

Approaching the completion of wind bell production at Kamakura Bells=Yuigahama, Kamakura City

The Kamakura Bells store of Yuigahama, Kamakura City approaches its completion of wind bell production. The copper is beaten in order to alter the sounds which are produced. The application of smoldering bamboo forms the designs.

Wind bell specialist Makoto Kikuchi's (58) past work included teaching at elementary, junior high and special education schools. As a working adult, he entered into Kyuutakaoka Junior College of Toyama Prefecture, studying the local industry of casting as a metal arts specialist. Establishing a studio within Kamakura City, he opened a store selling his wind bells 8 years ago.

In the store, display models of the wind-bells are set out, their sound frequency recorded on an attached card. Kikuchi explained: "During Japan's Middle Ages, it was thought that the sound of the bells could bring protection to entire towns. While analyzing the scientific aspect of the sound, I wish to create bells capturing the essence of the seasons of the year and nature within Kamakura."

Original text:

風鈴作り追い込み、町守る音を/神奈川

2012年6月13日

風鈴作りが追い込みを迎えている「鎌倉ベルズ」＝鎌倉市由比ガ浜

鎌倉市由比ガ浜の「鎌倉ベルズ」で風鈴作りが追い込みを迎えている。銅をたたく加減で音色に変化を与え、竹で燻（いぶ）して模様を施す。

風鈴作家の菊地眞さん（58）は小、中学校、特別支援学校の教諭を歴任した後、旧高岡短大（富山県）に社会人入学し、金属工芸専攻で地場産業の鋳物を学んだ。鎌倉市内に工房を構え、８年前からは店舗で風鈴を売り出した。

店に展示している見本の風鈴には、奏でる音の周波数を記した札が付く。菊地さんは「中世には音によって町全体を守る概念があった。音を科学的に分析しながら、鎌倉の四季や自然を想起させる風鈴を作っていきたい」と話していた。