The Boy Who "Stole" the Craftsman's Movement

As a child, I was captivated by the hands of master craftsmen. I would record obscure 15-minute programs on NHK, watching the videotapes until they wore out, studying how their hands moved with a mind of their own. I was fascinated by the magic of Japanese joinery—how separate pieces of wood could fit so perfectly that they became one.

Apprenticeship in Temple & Shrine Architecture

I was fortunate to apprentice under a master of traditional temple and shrine architecture. At a time when the industry was shifting toward "pre-cut" machine processing, I was still taught the old ways: the tactile art of manual cutting with saws, chisels, and planes.

Through this hands-on experience, I learned to "read" the wood grain—a skill that can only be acquired by feeling the resistance of the timber through your own body. I learned that when you understand the wood, the tools become safer and easier to use, and your joints live in harmony with the natural movement of the timber.

A Responsibility to Share the "Sanctuary"

In today’s world, where profit and efficiency are everything, the opportunity for manual woodworking is fading. I consider myself fortunate to have acquired these traditional skills just before they began to vanish.

For me, this craft is not just about making things; it is about the quiet pleasure of the process. I feel a deep responsibility to share the art of Japanese joinery with the world—not just as a technique, but as a way to find your own "Sanctuary" through the honest work of your hands.