For more than 110 years in Takaoka, the artisan's hand has drawn voice from the orin (the small bronze bowl-bell struck in Buddhist devotion). A fine stillness that quietly settles the heart resides here.
Yamaguchi Kyujo was founded in 1907 in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Each Kyujo orin is made one by one, with the whole spirit of artisans who carry forward the techniques of Takaoka copperware, a traditional craft. Its clear tone holds the "1/f fluctuation" that calms and orders the mind, and its power to bring relaxation has been recognized scientifically. Chosen for the chimes of Shinkansen stations and schools, this trusted resonance brings a refined repose to contemporary life.
Yamaguchi Kyujo was founded in 1907 in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Each Kyujo orin is made one by one, with the whole spirit of artisans who carry forward the techniques of Takaoka copperware, a traditional craft. Its clear tone holds the "1/f fluctuation" that calms and orders the mind, and its power to bring relaxation has been recognized scientifically. Chosen for the chimes of Shinkansen stations and schools, this trusted resonance brings a refined repose to contemporary life.
The orin is a bowl-shaped bell long used among Buddhist implements and upon the household altar. Its clear voice has been treasured since ancient times as something that "drives off malign spirits and purifies a place." Today that same spirit is carried forward, and the orin has become familiar in daily life as an instrument of healing and meditation, a means of settling the heart.
In the sound of the orin there is a warmth that gently enfolds the listener. The lingering resonance of a single strike leads one toward a quieter frame of mind.
From an implement of prayer to an implement that graces daily life. We go on making orin that enrich the days.
While inheriting traditional techniques, the Kyujo orin has changed its form into an object at home in contemporary dwellings and contemporary life. From the smallest of daily habits to a story that lingers in a musician's heart, its tone keeps quiet company with a great many people. May its beauty and warmth come into your every day.
The exacting handwork of Takaoka's artisans gives rise to a sound that exists nowhere else. Ikomi, the pouring of brass into the mould; kezuri, the paring of the form until not a fraction is astray; migaki, the polishing that draws forth lustre; and hori, the chasing that pursues beauty into the smallest detail. Only after many such stages does this beautiful resonance come into being.
The sound of waves, the song of small birds — nature's melodies, the ones we feel as ease, carry within them what is called "1/f fluctuation." In the tone of the Kyujo orin as well, 564 Hz, 1614 Hz and 3003 Hz overlap at intervals of roughly 2.08, 0.32 and 0.31 seconds, producing that same singular "1/f fluctuation" — a finding confirmed by analysis at the Japan Acoustic Laboratory. This tone is known to increase alpha waves and to invite the body toward rest.
The Kyujo orin has been adopted for the departure melody of JR Takaoka Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and for the chimes of primary and middle schools, where it is held in high regard. Its record of delivering "reassurance" and "quiet" into the daily lives of so many people is a mark of trust. A resonance cherished even in public places will lend its quiet colour to your own private space.
Four centuries of traditional technique, joined with a contemporary sensibility. The Kyujo orin is finished with a refined presence that settles easily into today's interiors, whether Japanese or Western in character. From pieces that rest in the palm of the hand to models that may be displayed as objects, the breadth of the range is part of its appeal — a form for every way of living.
At the beginning of the day, in a moment of deep meditation, or as a way of clearing the mind before sleep. The habit of sounding an orin — a matter of only a few seconds — opens a margin of space within the heart. Its beautiful form and its resonance make it equally fitting as a gift for someone dear, or as a kindness offered to oneself.
The musician Ryuichi Sakamoto was a man who listened closely to every sound around him. He could discern the coming of rain from the sound of the wind, and would sometimes record a resonance he found pleasing. During his illness, in a hospital room where no large instrument could be brought in, it was a Kyujo orin that he kept at his side — a "small instrument," he reasoned, could be slipped in unnoticed. "I want the sounds I love close at hand, so I can hear them whenever I wish." He was said to be especially fond of their tones, each pitched to a different note. Reference: Fujin Gaho, March 2023.
Founded in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Began making traditional Buddhist altar articles, and works of art wrought with the artisan's technique and design.
In keeping with the changing manner of modern life — among other things, a new regard for safety following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake — began developing contemporary altar articles: low candle stands, unadorned incense burners, and the like.
A melody played on Kyujo orin was adopted as the departure chime of JR Takaoka Station, the first instance of such sound offered to a public space.
The tone of Kyujo orin — in the form of the Kyujo henshō, an instrument assembled from several orin — was adopted for the chimes of the municipal primary and middle schools of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.
Launched the “Kyujo orin (Yurin series)” brand, so that the voice of the orin might be enjoyed in everyday life.
With the opening of Shin-Takaoka Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, a Kyujo orin melody was formally adopted as the departure chime.
A mark of esteem from those who know the craft best.
Yamaguchi Kyujo Co., Ltd. 8-50, Naimen 2-chome Takaoka City, Toyama 933-0941
株式会社山口久乗 〒933-0941 富山県高岡市内免2丁目8番50号
