Curriculum for the Shoji-Making Course

for Skilled Carpenters

Notes:

  • Sections will be released and sold as they are completed.

  • If initial sales are poor, production of future sections may be discontinued.

  • Please note that this curriculum is tentative, and its content is subject to change.

What Makes Shojis So Appealing?

  • The Beauty of the Grid

  • Gentle Partitioning — Balances privacy with shared spaces.

  • Flexibility in Room Layout

  • Differences Between Shoji and Fusuma

  • What Are Fusuma?

  • When Should I Choose Fusuma?

Mastering Solid Wood: The First Step for Shoji Craftsmen

  • Key Properties of Solid Wood for Crafting Beautiful and Problem-Free Shoji Screens

  • Understanding Wood Grain - Key to achieving better results and efficiency by recognising its natural "favourable" and "resistant" directions.

  • Crown-sawn vs. Quarter-Sawn

  • Crown-sawn grain has a "front" and a "back."

  • Base and Tip - Position the plank with its base at the bottom and tip at the top, mirroring its orientation when the tree was standing

  • Heartwood and Sapwood

  • Types of Wood Suitable for Shoji Screens

  • Is There a Lack of Opportunities to Learn About Wood Properties, Especially Solid Wood?

Hand Tools and Power Tools: The Best Choices for Making Shoji Screens

  • Do You Need Fancy Tools for Shoji Making?

  • Essential Hand Tools

  • Essential Machines and Power Tools

  • Hand Tools That Are Nice to Have

  • Machines and Power Tools That Are Nice to Have

  • Setting Up a Workshop for Shoji Making

Hands-On Training for the Entire Lattice-Making Process

  • Selecting the Optimal Size for the Lattice

  • Orientation to Highlight the Beauty of the Lattice

  • Consistency in Thickness Determines the Quality of the Finish

  • Efficient and Accurate Wood Preparation Steps

  • Practical Drill for Processing Right-Angle Intersections

  • Practical Drill for Processing Diagonal Intersections

Creating a Beautiful and Sturdy Shoji Frame

  • Optimal Dimensions for Shoji Frames

  • Assembling with an Orientation That Maximises the Properties of Solid Wood

  • Are Tenons Necessary?

  • Strength of Loose Tenons - Can they serve as a substitute for tenons carved from the same piece of timber?

  • Choosing the Best Adhesive

  • Variations in Mortise-and-Tenon Joints and Their Applications

About Washi (Traditional Japanese Paper)

  • What Is Washi?

  • Characteristics and Types of Washi

  • How Washi Size Determines the Lattice Grid

  • Choosing the Right Adhesive for Applying Washi

  • Alternative Materials to Washi

Jambs and Tracks

  • Traditional Wooden Upper and Lower Tracks (Kamoi and Shikii) — The classic framework used in authentic shoji screens.

  • Simplified Wooden Tracks — A more modern or accessible alternative to traditional Kamoi and Shikii.

  • Using Metal Rails — Durable and easy-to-install options for contemporary setups.

  • Choosing the Best Track

  • Adapting Shoji Design Based on Different Track Types

  • How Many Doors to Divide a Span Into

Projects

  • Partition Screens

  • Two-Panel Folding Screens

  • Lanterns

  • Shoji with Double-Sided Lattices

  • Shoji with Built-In Sliding Panels

  • Various Lattice Patterns

  • Swing Door Designs

  • Fusuma

And more to inspire your creativity.

How to Run a Successful Shoji-Making Business

  • Filtering Out Price-Sensitive Customers

  • Is a Detailed Plan View Necessary?

  • Using Design Software like SketchUp

  • Avoiding Wasted Trips During Inspections — Confirming Whether a Deductible Initial Fee Can Be Collected.

  • Information to Gather During Inspections

  • How to Set Prices and Key Factors to Consider in Estimates

  • Where and How to Order Materials

  • How to Transport the Finished Product

  • On Installation Day: Key Points to Keep in Mind During Work

  • Securing Payment — Ensuring Timely Payment from All Clients During Busy Seasons

  • How to Get Positive Feedback and Referrals from Customers

  • Justifying and Communicating the Value of Your Pricing

Strategic Marketing and Sales to Connect with Ideal Customers

  • How to Find Customers — Ensuring Your Hard-Earned Skills Are Put to Use

  • The Difference Between Marketing and Sales

  • Understanding the Flow: Awareness, Attraction, Proposal, Sale

  • Goals for the Awareness Stage

  • Goals for the Attraction Stage

  • Goals for the Proposal Stage

  • How to Transition to the Sale

©2025 DIY Japanese Joinery

All pricing is in U.S. dollars.

Some images by Freepik