Name of the making dojo: Senryu Dojo, based in London, UK
Justin Senryu lived in Japan from 2005 studying shakuhachi making and playing intensively for 6 years. He received his first Shihan and authorisation as a professional maker from Yokoyama Katsuya and Furuya Teruo in 2007; and his second Shihan from Araki Kodo V, the head teacher of Kinko Ryu, who also awarded him the prestigious makers’ stamp ‘Kodo-sen’ (‘chosen by Kodo’). These teachers, as well as Iwata Seien VI (one of the foremost players of jinashi shakuhachi) have been invaluable to Justin’s shakuhachi making, both in terms of requirements as professional players, as well as subtleties of tone colour.
Justin has extensive knowledge of historic shakuhachi, having traveled across Japan examining and playing some of the finest instruments dating back several centuries; been commissioned to restore numerous antique shakuhachi dating back 270 years; and regularly playing the instruments in his personal collection.
Justin combines his study of shakuhachi making from his teachers with his detailed knowledge of historic instruments, and his study of urushi under makie master Araki Mitsunobu. He makes ji-ari (a.k.a jinuri) shakuhachi primarily following the style of Araki Kodo III, and jinashi shakuhachi primarily following makers such as Araki Chikuo (Ichigetsu-ji temple) and Murase Chikuo (Fudaiji- temple).
Trained in shakuhachi making by Araki Kodo V and various others. Authorised by Yokoyama Katsuya, Furuya Teruo and Araki Kodo V. Been making shakuhachi since 2007, jinashi and jinuri, all lengths. Old style tone colour resulting from years of researching antique shakuhachi.