Eyichi Asabuki

Eyichi Asabuki (朝吹英一) — often spelled Eiichi Asabuki in transliteration — a prominent Japanese xylophone (marimba/vibraphone) virtuoso, composer, and influential music educator.

Born December 22, 1909 in Tokyo and passing away June 14, 1993, Asabuki Eiichi was a trailblazing musician and business leader—he served as president of Chiyodagumi (千代田組) and was a major figure in promoting mallet percussion in Japan.

From a young age, he was captivated by the xylophone. At just 17, he made his broadcast debut on NHK with his xylophone performances. In the 1930s, after studying music in the U.S., he released several records and even formed a Hawaiian-style band that introduced the vibraphone into Japanese music—a pioneering move at the time.

In 1950, Asabuki founded the Tokyo Xylophone Club—later renamed the Japan Xylophone Association—and led it as president. This organization became a central hub for performing artists, educators, and amateurs, fostering the growth of xylophone and marimba music across Japan. He composed 119 original melodies and arranged over 1,000 international pieces for keyboard percussion instruments. His composition "Karuizawa no Bijin" (軽井沢の美人), written in 1929, holds special significance as the first original xylophone piece by a Japanese composer.

Asabuki's influence continued long beyond his performing years, expanding Japan's mallet percussion repertoire and inspiring generations of musicians. He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class (勲四等瑞宝章), recognizing his cultural and educational contributions.