There’s a common thread throughout the Japanese Carpentry Workshops that we’ve been hosting for 3 consecutive years: pure, unbridled enthusiasm. There is so much passion for this microcosm of joinery, tools, and traditional architecture that it surprises even me sometimes. Students travel here from far and wide, frequently returning for another class. People are absolutely hungry for this stuff.
Why are people so hungry for understanding and participating in this craft? Perhaps because the world of Japanese carpentry goes so deep, is so timeless and beautiful, or maybe because the tools and joints are just really darn cool. Whatever the case, I’m grateful to be able to play a small part in sharing this with people. When I take a small step back, I realize that this is indeed an incredibly special and rare opportunity to learn firsthand from our precious friends and teachers, who live and work in Japan. Even in Japan these skills are kept alive by only a small percentage of carpenters.
First Ever Japanese Carpentry Real Construction Workshop
We recently concluded our 3 week Japanese Carpentry Workshop series. In previous years, we’ve had 2 back to back classes, but this spring was our first attempt at three consecutive courses. The grand finale was our new Real Construction Workshop in which we worked together to build an awning / engawa addition on the west side of the pavilion, which was very fitting as our first collaborative full scale project.
In the days since the workshops have ended, I’ve been enjoying the new pavilion facade from a distance and up close – looking at it from the back porch of our house, and admiring the hewn beams and scribed joints.
I love it. I just love the whole thing: organizing and hosting, learning new things every time we do this. Working with Yama-san and Jon is something I cherish every year, and I also really enjoy getting to see old faces again and meeting new wood geeks from all over the country and beyond. What else can I say? Lots of things, really. I can keep blabbering on and on.
Ultimately, I can’t wait to do it all over again next year. We have big plans in the works for 2026.
