All About Japan

Violin Made from Iwate's 'Miracle Pine Tree'

Coast Events Music Earthquake Iwate Tohoku

A memorial concert took place at Meiji Shrine on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Featured at the event was a special violin. This musical instrument was made from part of the lone pine tree that survived the 2011 tsunami in a city in northeastern Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMbGuEAJ1PI

The miracle pine tree is a symbol of reconstruction. Muneyuki Nakazawa also used tree debris to make the violin. He used the miracle pine for the sound post, considered the most important part of a violin.

The violin maker told NTV24, "Parts of this violin used to support people’s lives as homes. The wood pieces have turned into an instrument that comforts and encourages people. It has taken a new form to keep people alive through music." About 750 people have played this violin so far. Nakazawa has noticed a change in the tones it produces.

"In the beginning, the sound was very rough," said Nakazawa. "Now it seems to carry the thoughts and vibrations of the many people it has come across. I think the sound has become very gentle and powerful at the same time." He is hoping to have a total of 1,000 people play the violin.