On Sunday 3 May we held our first Japanese woodwork masterclass, live-streaming direct from Japan. As far as we know – it’s a world first too!
30 participants from over 14 countries from as far a field as Mexico, India and Brazil tuned in live to see JWA Featured Maker, Masahiro Kudo, start his journey making a traditional wooden sake cup or ‘masu’.
In Episode 1, Masahiro took viewers through the marking phase of making his signature piece, including using a kehiki (marking gauge); shiragaki (marking knife); sashigane (square) and jizai-jougi (adjustable ruler). In Japanese this ‘marking’ phase is known as sumitsuke.
Consisting of 5 x 1 hour episodes, this live webinar and download series sees Masahiro using traditional Japanese hand tools and woodwork techniques to craft and finish intricate dovetail joints called ‘ari-gumi‘. Witness Masahiro work the wood with precision techniques, all by hand and interact with him directly in a live Q & A session during each episode.
Every Sunday in May 2020, culminating in a final episode on 7 June, we’ll be broadcasting live via Zoom from Masahiro’s workshop in Chiba, just outside of Tokyo.
Missed An Episode?
Don’t worry, we’re making Episode 1 FREE for everyone to enjoy.
Episodes 2 – 5: To watch and download further episodes you’ll need to be paying ticket holder so head over to Eventbrite, our ticket partner, to purchase tickets for the remaining 4 episodes.
Masterclass Episode Summary
Each episode is 1 hour long and focuses on a particular aspect of Masahiro’s handmade crafting process. You’ll have the chance to interact and ask questions directly to Masahiro as part of live Q & A session during each episode.
3 May | Episode 1: ‘Masu‘ Cup Overview | Sumitsuke – Measuring + Marking (free to watch on YouTube here)
10 May | Episode 2: Nokohiki – Sawing | Cutting The Pins & Tails (recording is now available to purchase here)
24 May | Episode 3: Aradori – Rough Chiselling The Joints
31 May | Episode 4: Shiage – Finishing | Kumitate – Assembly PART 1
7 June | Episode 5: Shiage – Finishing | Kumitate – Assembly PART 2
Japan Woodcraft Association 