During my childhood, I was fascinated by skilled craftsmen and could spend hours observing them work, whether they were plasterers or pastry chefs. I was so captivated that I even recorded a 15-minute program on NHK, a Japanese broadcast station, which showcased various craftsmen in action. This program was so obscure that it was not listed in the TV guide and was often replaced by breaking news. Nevertheless, I would struggle to find and record it on videotape, then watch it repeatedly until the tape wore out. I was drawn to the craftsmen's efficient movements, as if their hands had a mind of their own.

The TV show included joinery techniques, and I was impressed by how each intricately processed piece fit perfectly without gaps and was joined as if it were originally one piece. I had a strong desire to acquire this kind of skill myself.

Fortunately, through a personal connection, I became an apprentice to a master who specialized in temple and shrine architecture. By that time, the mainstream method of using large machines to create joints, known as "pre-cut," had already been adopted. However, not many places used pre-cut for shrine and temple architecture at that time, so I had the opportunity to experience traditional manual cutting using saws, chisels, planes, and other hand tools.

Through this hands-on experience of manual cutting, I learned how to use tools and understand the characteristics of solid timber through my body. It was particularly helpful in acquiring the skill of reading wood grain. Reading the wood grain correctly makes it easier and safer to use tools. Moreover, if you can predict how a particular timber will move to some extent, you can create joints that fit its movement. These were skills that could not be learned without manual cutting.

In addition, to achieve the best results in manual cutting, the tools must also be in the best condition. Therefore, I also learned how to sharpen the tools to their best condition.

Nowadays, more and more places that specialize in shrine and temple architecture are adopting pre-cut, and the opportunities for manual cutting are decreasing. In this era of pursuing profit and efficiency, manual woodworking is becoming less common. I feel fortunate to have acquired these skills right before these technological advancements, which is why I consider it not only a pleasure but also a responsibility to share the traditional art of Japanese joinery with the world.

Hisao Zen

Founder of DIY Japanese Joinery