“Why do you continue to do the traditional way?”
“Please keep the traditional techniques alive!”
I like the “traditional carpentry methods”, which makes use of the characteristics of the wood and assemble trees together to create a structure. I feel “beauty” in the value of coexisting with nature, rather than against it, “beauty” in the high skills and knowledge to skillfully utilize diverse and uneven natural materials. On top of that, I believe this way is the most effective method when it comes to construction.
As I do not do this with the focus of “tradition”, I do not feel a sense of mission to “keep the traditional methods alive”.
I believe “tradition” is something that exists naturally at the unconscious level, such as everyday actions and ways of thinking, customs and practices rooted in our daily lives. These things are not the result of the efforts of the Japanese people to make it survive, but instead are the things that have survived out of necessity. “Tradition” is not something which is born out of deliberateness.
“Traditional Methods” will not disappear due to westernization or modernization, instead it will continue slowly changing shape and still remain in a 100 years time. This can be clearly seen from the fact that it’s not only Japanese people who finds fascination in Kyoto, but people from all around the world. This is because humans find “beauty” in structures that make use of the natural form of nature.
There is no mistaking the “traditional methods” which has been passed on until now will take in new things from the present, creating something even newer. I hope to continue to enjoy the “traditional methods” with like-minded people from all around the world.
「なぜ伝統的なやり方を続けるのですか？」
「伝統技術を守り続けてください！」
私は、木の特性を活かし、木と木を組み上げて建物を構成する「伝統構法」が好きです。 自然に対抗するのでなく自然と共生する価値観、多様で不揃いな自然素材を巧みに活かす高度な知恵や工夫に「美」や「粋」を感じるからです。また、これは建築をする上で、最も有効な技術だとも考えています。「伝統」を意識してやっているわけではないので「伝統構法を守り続けよう」という使命感は私には全くありません。
「伝統」とは、日常的な行動や考え方、生活に根ざした風習やしきたりなど、あくまでも無意識レベルで当たり前に存在するものだと思っています。これらは、私たち日本人が残そうと努力した結果残ったものではなく、残るべくして残ってきたものです。「伝統」とは決して作為的なものではないのです。
「伝統構法」は、西洋化や近代化によって消滅することなく、少しずつ形を変えながら100年後にも残り続けるでしょう。それは日本人だけでなく世界中の人たちが京都に魅了されていることからもよくわかると思います。人は自然のあるがままの姿を生かした建築物に「美」を感じるからです。これまで受け継がれてきた「伝統構法」は、現在の新たな部分を吸収し、さらに新しく生成されていくのは間違いありません。私はこれからも、世界中の同志と「伝統構法」による建築を楽しみたいと願うばかりです。
At Suikoushya, we share traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and skills. Since it is a small group system, we will provide guidance tailored to each individual’s skills, from beginners to woodworking professionals. Please join us!
I look forward to sharing fine woodworking with you.
One month Japanese woodworking classes
