Here is the special class led by master carpenter TAKAMI KAWAI, to be held in April and August 2025.

In response to many requests, we are holding a special class by TAKAMI.

 

 

 

“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 master carpenter TAKAMI KAWAI 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

Instructor;  TAKAMI KAWAI

 

 

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.
  • Architectural tours guided by TAKAMI will be held every Saturday.

 

2025

April Course :  March 31 – April 25 

Auguest Course : July 28 – Auguest 22

 

School fees；970,000yen

 

 

 

Student’s Experience

Alumni of Suikoushya International Craft School in Kyoto

 

FAQ