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Writer's pictureAmy Dawson
4 days ago

Mr. Itaru Sasaki’s Vision for Certified Wind Phone Installations


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Mr. Itaru Sasaki (Photo posted with permission of Patrick Genaine)

Patrick Genaine, the custodian of Switzerland's "Wind Telephone" (Le téléphone du vent) and his interpreter, had the honor of meeting with Mr. Itaru Sasaki last week and discussing Wind Phones at great length.  It sounds like it was an amazing experience, and I appreciate Patrick sharing it with me.

 

Mr. Sasaki spoke about how his name and the Wind Phone concept are frequently cited, he has observed that many installations do not fully adhere to the original philosophy and principles he established. To address this, Mr. Sasaki aims to create a certification process for installations that follow the four key principles he has outlined in the letter below. Patrick asked me to share Mr. Sasaki's letter with you.


Mr. Sasaki would like to clarify that he is not seeking to impose restrictions or take on the role of a "policeman" regarding Wind Phone installations. His intention is not to forbid or control but rather to ensure that Wind Phones built around the world that align with the core principles he developed are certified as such. For those seeking certification, the process will involve meeting these criteria and applying for certification.

 

Mr. Sasaki feels these principles will ensure that Wind Phones remain true to their original purpose - providing a space for people to connect with lost loved ones meaningfully and respectfully. Mr. Sasaki hopes this certification will ensure that Wind Phones remain spaces of solace and remembrance.


 

Open letter of Kaku Sasaki


November 2024 Otsuka, Japan


I'm taking advantage of the visit to Otsuchi of Patrick Genaine, guardian of Switzerland's Wind Phone, and the interpreter accompanying him, to publish this letter.


Several years have passed since I created the Wind Phone, and I see that my concept has been taken up in many parts of the world, in many different forms. I've been observing this evolution, and a question grew within me these last years: -Have people really, deeply understood my concept and the spirit in which I'd like the Wind Phone to continue?

Following several lengthy discussions with Patrick and Ryuta, his interpreter, I felt the need to express myself publicly to clarify certain points.


I think it's wonderful and I'm very admiring of the creativity of people all over the world who have built an installation in memory of a loved one who has died, and who refer to me and my Wind Phone. I think all these people were touched by my concept and wanted to provide their community with a place where they could express their feelings when affected by bereavement.


I'm aware that it's very easy to make a Wind Phone, and that there are very few rules or constraints for doing so. However, the installation I have imagined makes sense and offers quality support to the bereaved as long as four basic conditions are met:

1) A nice, quiet place, favourable to introspection and contemplation.

2) An enclosed cabin, in which the person feels a real sense of intimacy and can let him or herself say out loud what he or she is thinking or feeling, without fear of being overheard.

3) The presence of a guardian, available for those who so wish. The guardian offers a warm, non-judgemental listening ear, helping to integrate the cabin experience even more effectively. The guardian is also the one who keeps the place alive, keeps it clean and sometimes organizes discussion groups, conferences or any other event related to bereavement support.

4) The use of the Wind Phone should be free of charge. Discussions with the guardian too.


After several years of reflection, I have decided to “organize” a little bit the practice of the Wind Phone. I would be happy to create a small community of Wind Phone guardians. I hope that in the near future, I'll be able to organize a seminar with them, here in Otsuchi, the birthplace of the Wind Phone. I'd like to be able to encourage people who work in the same spirit as me by offering them a “certification”. Patrick and I are in the process of drawing up a charter containing the basic ethical principles that the guardians will undertake to respect, and then I will certify these installations as legitimate to bear the name “Wind Phone”. In a few months' time, I will be making a fuller announcement on the subject.


With my warm greetings from Japan

Itaru Sasaki

Creator of the Wind Phone


 

Please share your thoughts and comments below.


Wind phone, my wind phone, telephone of the wind, phone of the wind, wind telephone, wind phone locations, telephone of the wind locations, wind phone near me, kaze no denwa, telephone of the wind directory, telephone of the wind near me, grief support, wind phone map, wind phones, continuing bonds, telephone of the wind location directory, what is a wind phone, wind phone coming soon, event wind phone, create a wind phone, featured wind phone, wind phone press release, wind phone certification, kaze no telephone
Ryuta Grossé, Itaru Sasaki, Patrick Genaine


Wind phone, my wind phone, telephone of the wind, phone of the wind, wind telephone, wind phone locations, telephone of the wind locations, wind phone near me, kaze no denwa, telephone of the wind directory, telephone of the wind near me, grief support, wind phone map, wind phones, continuing bonds, telephone of the wind location directory, what is a wind phone, wind phone coming soon, event wind phone, create a wind phone, featured wind phone, wind phone press release, wind phone certification, kaze no telephone
Photo Credits: Patrick Genaine, Mme Sasaki, Ryuta Grossé


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