Tenma Haru (天馬晴)

Tenma Haru (天馬晴), born 1975, is a Japanese nawashi.

1975–present

Era: 2010s

NAWASHI · TEACHER

Japanese master nawashi based in Tokyo / Yokohama with his own school: the 'Tenma style' of kinbaku. Characterised by sensual, intense exchange that supersedes verbal communication — his signature gote feels not painful but like being hugged, despite making breathing difficult. Apprentices begin with two classes per week for three months, then private classes once a week, with full apprenticeship taking about a year. The official Gensounawa site identifies Tenma as the presiding kinbakushi of Yokohama Gensounawa, a kinbaku salon / class space for Tenma-style practice, salons, private lessons and events. Calls his cohort the 'blank generation' — was called a 'newbie' for ten years because the next generation didn't appear. Believes Japanese kinbaku should also be taught to Japanese, not only exported overseas. His apprentice Sora is a young kinbaku prodigy.

School: Independent

Influences (mutual or directional): Ren Yagami.

Associated venues, magazines, films and performances: Gensounawa.