ABSTRACT
Something quite remarkable occurred in 1971 and thereabouts when men encountered the first buntsūran. From the depths of a world hitherto shrouded in silence, there came forth an outburst of energy and emotion. For some, there was a moment of awakening: ‘When I happened to see Barazoku, my eyes were opened’ (B-7, 09/72, #22). The encounter could be profoundly joyous:
Kyoto City Daimonji [mountain name and festival in Kyoto] Last year I received so many letters from every region in Japan. For me, it was the best year ever. Everybody in Osaka and Kyoto (young men, gentlemen), I’m waiting to hear from you. So send me your letters.
