News記事

① Self Introduction
Name： Nishi Naomi Melissa
Nationality：USA
Roots：Izena Island and Naha City
Training Location：Sanshin Craftsmen’s Business Cooperative Association of Okinawa (Sanshin Kumiai)
Is that true?!：
California has the most National Parks in the United States (9 in total).




② What are you studying/training in Okinawa?
I’m learning how to make, but mainly repair sanshin under Naoto Kishimoto (Sho Kobo/Sanshin Kumiai). As I learn new techniques to repair all parts of the sanshins, Kishimoto-sensei and I discuss what materials are accessible in the US and how I can replicate specialized tools so I’ll be able to repair sanshins when I get back home. We also brainstorm ideas for future workshops I can lead at Okinawa kenjinkais in the US.




③ Goals after returning home
Sanshin is one of the most quintessential part of the Uchinaa culture. In the US, there are people who can play, but almost no one who can repair sanshins professionally. Therefore, in efforts to preserve and promote the culture in the US, I plan on filling in that vacancy when I get back. I want to help people keep playing beautiful music if their sanshin breaks and get more people interested in picking up the instrument. And when I’m good enough, I can go to kenjinkais across the nation and set up workshops like making kankara sanshins for kids, or having a sanshin making seminar in hopes to educate and ideally interest at least one more person into sanshin repairs.