Currently, there are several places to learn about woodworking in Japan; however, they are hosted in Japanese. We have learned that there are many people who wish to study in Japan but are held back because of the language barrier. Due to this, many are hesitant to pursue their dreams of studying woodworking in Japan.

I believe it is a waste for people to give up on thoroughly learning something they are passionate about just because of the language.

So I thought about it… and realised the answer to this big barrier is to build a school catered for English speakers where they can learn these woodworking skills.

This school will be conducted in English where you will learn intensively about traditional Japanese woodworking. Active Japanese woodworkers will be the instructors.

 

 

 

1-month woodworking classes outline;

 

Introduction to Japanese Woodworking Tools:  

  1. An introduction to Japanese woodworking tools
  2. Basics of using Japanese Hand tools.
  3. Going to the local tool stores.
  4. Setting up Nomi(chisels)and Kanna (hand planes).
  5. Sharpening tools.

 

Using Japanese Woodworking Tools:  

  1. Making a sharpening stone base.
  2. Making a tools box.

 

Making Japanese Joinery:  

  1. Watariago.
  2. Hozo(Mortise and Tenon).
  3. Hozo with Kusabi and Komisen.
  4. Ari Tsugi(dovetail).  
  5. Kama Tsugi.
  6. Sachi Tsugi.
  7. Okkake-Daisen.
  8. Kanawa Tsugi.
  9. Dai-Mochi Tsugi.
  10. Okuri Ari.

 

*Students may not complete all of the joineries listed above. The number of joineries completed will depend on the individual’s speed. 

 

Getting familiar with a Kanna:  

  1. Making a Kanna Dai.
  2. Using a Kanna, making a flat surface.  
  3. Challenge getting thin shavings.

Introduction of Instructor

We conduct our classes with a “spirit of enjoying woodworking” and a “spirit of sharing”. We hope to share Suikoushya’s philosophy “Let’s enjoy woodworking together” with all woodworking lovers.

Instructor; Rodrigo MATSUDA
Woodworking surfboard shaper for 19 years
Graduated from Suikoushya Woodworking one month course in July 2019

After I graduated from Suikoushya International Craft School, my mind was opened to a new world of woodworking.
I will be together with you, sharing and helping all wood lovers to have a new woodworking experience at Suikoushya International Craft School.

 

 

About Tools

If you have Japanese hand tools, please bring them. However, if you do not have them, there is no need to purchase them in advance. This is because we will go shopping together on the first day of class.  You will need at least 60,000 yen to have the minimum necessary tools for woodworking.

＊Hammer

＊Carpenter’s Square

＊Saw

＊24 mm Striking Chisel

＊12 mm Striking Chisel

＊48 mm Hand Plane

＊Metal Plate

＊Diamond Plate

＊Sharpening Stone #1000

＊Sharpening Stone #8000

Please refer to the following pages for the tools to be used.

Recommended Tools

schedule

  • The maximum number of students: 5 pax. 
  • Classes are from Monday to Friday. 9 am to 5 pm.    
  • The school workspace can be used every day (including weekends) from 8 am to 8 pm.

 

2026

August Course：August 10th – September 4th

September Course : September 7th – October 2nd

October Course : October 5th – October 30th

November Course : November 2nd – November 27th

December Course : November 30th – December 25th

 

 

School fees

750,000yen

 

 

 

Student’s Experience

Alumni of Suikoushya International Craft School in Kyoto

 

FAQ