Japanese Joinery & Hand Tools

Japanese joinery emerged from a way of building that listens closely to wood, time, and place. Shaped by generations of carpenters, temple builders, and craftsmen, these traditions favor sensitivity and precision over force or excess. Joinery developed as a quiet language of interlocking forms, allowing structures to flex, age, and be repaired rather than resist change. 
The tools themselves evolved to support this approach, prioritizing control and efficiency through direct engagement between craftsman and material. Together, they represent a sophisticated synthesis of technical innovation, environmental responsiveness, and deeply rooted cultural values.

Two-Day Intensive

This two-day intensive offers an intimate introduction to Japanese woodworking, centered on traditional tools and joinery. You will spend time getting to know a selection of Japanese hand tools, including a chisel that is yours to keep, learning how to care for and sharpen it as part of the practice. This work naturally leads into joinery, where precise fit and form are explored through the making of a single traditional joint.

  • Dates

    This course will be offered from July 2026 onward.
    Please inquire with your preferred dates, and we will do our best to accommodate.

    Duration

    2 consecutive days

    Daily Schedule

    Each day runs from 9:00–18:00, with a 1-hour lunch break.

    Group Size

    The course is limited to a maximum of four participants, allowing for close guidance and individual attention.

    Price

    $570.00 USD

    What’s Included

    • Instruction with close individual guidance

    • All essential materials

    • A high-quality professional Japanese chisel for your use and to take home

    • Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day.

    Location

    Held at the workshop in Nanjo, Okinawa.
    The exact address and arrival details will be shared upon confirmation.

  • Experience

    No prior woodworking experience is required.
    This course welcomes beginners as well as those returning to the bench, and is open to anyone curious about working with their hands.

    Safety & care

    Woodworking asks for sharp tools and steady presence.
    Participants should feel comfortable standing for extended periods and working with their hands.
    Safety guidance will be given, and mindful care is expected throughout the course.

One-Week Study

This one-week study offers time to settle into the rhythms of Japanese woodworking, allowing skills and understanding to unfold gradually at the bench. Traditional tools are introduced with care, and you will work with your own Japanese hand plane and chisel, learning how to set up, maintain, and sharpen them as part of the practice. As the week progresses, joinery becomes a central focus, with three different joints explored and brought together in the making of a simple wooden stool. The extended pace invites attention, repetition, and a deeper conversation between hand, tool, and wood.

  • Dates

    This course will be offered from July 2026 onward.
    Please inquire with your preferred dates, and we will do our best to accommodate.

    Duration

    7 consecutive days

    Daily Schedule

    Each day runs from 9:00–18:00, with a 1-hour lunch break.

    Group Size

    The course is limited to a maximum of four participants, allowing for close guidance and individual attention.

    Price

    $1,350 USD

    What’s Included

    • Instruction with close individual guidance

    • All essential tools & materials

    • A high-quality professional Japanese hand plane and chisel for your use and to take home

    • Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day.

    Location

    Held at the workshop in Nanjo, Okinawa.
    The exact address and arrival details will be shared upon confirmation.

  • Project
    Each participant will make a small wooden stool using three traditional joinery techniques. The focus is on learning process and fit rather than speed or surface finish.

    Pace & Completion

    While most participants complete their stool within the course, the emphasis is on careful work and understanding rather than rushing to completion.

    Wood

    Wood selection will be provided, with natural variations in grain and character.

    Experience

    No prior woodworking experience is required.
    This course welcomes beginners as well as those returning to the bench, and is open to anyone curious about working with their hands.

    Safety & care

    Woodworking asks for sharp tools and steady presence.
    Participants should feel comfortable standing for extended periods and working with their hands. Regular breaks are taken, and guidance is provided throughout.
    Safety guidance will be given, and mindful care is expected throughout the course.

Alternative Schedules

Learning does not always fit neatly into fixed dates. If the listed course timelines don’t align with your availability, we’re happy to hear from you. 

Weekend-only schedules, non-consecutive days, or extended study time (up to an additional week for an extra project) may be possible. Please share your ideas and availability when inquiring. 
We welcome these conversations and will consider each request individually.

Get In Touch

If you have questions about the courses, dates, or scheduling, please use the form to get in touch. We'll review your message and get back to you as soon as possible.