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.