When is a cut made into the wood?
When building a house, or when drying?
In Japan, a cut is made into the wood to prevent it from cracking during the drying process.
A log is first sawed into a square, and a cut is made here before drying.
The wood is then air dried for about three years. As it dries, it opens up and deforms.
By making this cut, the material does not crack as it deforms.
When the material is completely dried and firmly deformed,
it is again sawed into a square shape, creating a square pillar, which is then used.

We are creating online learning materials where you can learn about Japanese carpentry in English through the actual construction of the building!
It will be on sale at the kickstarter price from November 14th to December 6th, 2021, so be sure to check it out!

 

 

 

In Japan, a cut is made into the wood to prevent it from cracking during the drying process.