TOKYO KAGURAZAKA
SCHOOL OF WOODWORKING
DIY + (Handcrafting, Woodworking Machinery, Furniture Materials)
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Furniture Craftsperson
Enjoy the ‘Woodworking Life’!
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- TOKYO KAGURAZAKA SCHOOL OF WOODWORKING
Today we see a growing demand for a more rounded lifestyle. Increasingly, individuals are embracing the idea of "doing it themselves" and engaging in activities like DIY. In this context, more and more people may realise the joy and importance of artisanship.
Amidst Japan's abundant natural beauty, woodworking has thrived as a pillar of Japanese culture, cherishing the beauty and healing of wood. Immersing oneself in handling and crafting wood is indeed a luxurious experience that can add vibrancy to one's life.
Having hosted woodworking classes for 15 years, we aim to continue sharing the art of woodworking, hoping to be of service to all who wish to join us.
*The lessons are basically conducted in Japanese.However, some courses have instructors who speak basic English.Please contact us for details.
Classroom Announcements
For those who wish to enrol as new students
You can check the seat availability in each class.
For those who are already enrolled
To check the class schedule and dates, please click here.
Nine Features of Kagurazaka School
Taught by professionals
Step-by-step instructions by professional furniture craftspeople with national certifications.
No need to bring tools
Well-maintained tools are available for use during the class by each student.
Use furniture grade lumber
Rare furniture grade lumber (cherry, oak, etc.) sourced from Gifu and Hokkaido is available.
Over 15 years of experience
Over 15 years of teaching experience enable students to become proficient woodworkers.
Flexible curriculum
Adaptable curriculum for all ages and experience levels.
Support system
Missed classes can be made up, and you can continue at your own pace.
Professionals also attend
Even professionals seeking advanced handcrafting skills join us to master woodworking, from blade sharpening to tool preparation.
Excellent facilities
We offer a variety of power tools and large woodworking machines to develop your skills, allowing you to experience woodworking without concerns about noise or dust.
Located in the heart of the city
Good access from Tokyo station; 4-minute walk from Kagurazaka subway station.
General Course
About the Curriculum
Curriculum Flow
- *Time required varies according to project design and size.
- *Estimated durations above are based on 1 course (bi-weekly or twice/month).
- *Students may elect to take 2 courses and attend weekly, that is, 4 times a month.
- *Minors, junior-high and older students may sign up for the off-school-hour courses.
Foundation
Curriculum
Learn the basic knowledge and skills that form the foundations for enjoying woodworking.
Tool familiarization
First, we introduce the names and usage of each tool.
We begin by practicing precise marking.
Making a mortise and
tenon joint
You will learn how to make mortise and tenon joints using chisels, mallets,and saws.
Making a box joint
(board to board joint)
You will take on the challenge of creating a five-piece joint (also known as 'arare-gumi').
This fundamental joint features many crucial design elements.
Application
Curriculum
Acquire application skills in two projects.
[You will tackle every step: design, drafting, miniature crafting, wood selection, wood preparation, handcrafting, finishing, assembly, and varnishing.]
Box making
You will make a small box mostly by hand, with minimal machinery use. This demands advanced skills and effort, offering valuable experience.
Stool making
You will create a stool, which serves as the foundation for legged furniture. This project enables you to appreciate elements such as strength and balance that differ from box-like artefacts. You'll start by cutting and trimming wood from boards using woodworking machinery.
You'll even get to use planes to shape the seat.
Advanced
Curriculum
Choose your own project and apply the knowledge and skills you have already learned.
Choose your own project
We have a diverse group of woodworking enthusiasts, including those who focus on handcrafting, others who use machinery extensively, those who create small pieces regularly, and those who take years to tackle a single project.
Specialized
Programs
Instruction is available for those students who want to acquire the in-depth skills needed to enjoy woodworking at scale.
Acquire your own woodworking tools
The preparation, adjustment, and sharpening of tools require deep knowledge. We have prepared specialized programs for those who want to be able to woodwork at home or make it their life's work.
Preparation
We do not sell hand tools in a ready-to-use state because users must be able to perform their own sharpening and adjustments.
This process is essential for all hand tools you will ever acquire.
Sharpening
While sharpening is said to be the work of a lifetime due to its depth, we aim to impart effective knowledge and skills that you can put into day-to-day practice.
Jig Production
You practice creating jigs to make clean right angles and mitred surfaces(45°).
Special Instructional Lectures
Special instructional classes are offered periodically to teach knowledge and skills beyond the regular coursework curriculum.
Hand tools
(planes and chisels)
You will learn how to prepare, adjust, and sharpen planes and chisels, enabling you to work with your own tools.
Power tools and machinery
You will learn how to use various woodworking machines and power tools. This will provide you with a clear understanding of what can and cannot be done when using machinery, as well as the overall picture of potential hazards, dust, noise, and more.
Lumber
You will learn about different types of wood, their characteristics, and the processing from standing timber to furniture materials. Additionally, you will create a sample book of wood types available for use in the classroom.
Course Information
One course is held twice a month (every other week). Please select either [1st week/3rd week] or [2nd week/4th week]. There is no admission fee, so you can start with confidence.
| Time | Seating capacity | Monthly fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday AM・PM | 4H | 14 ~ 21 seats | 13,200yen(incl. tax) |
| Weekday EVENING | 3H | 14 ~ 21 seats | 13,200yen(incl. tax) |
| Sat & Sun AM・PM | 4H | 21 seats | 14,300yen(incl. tax) |
※Effective from June 2024
- ※ Please consult with us regarding the days and times.
- ※ Attendance times are generally fixed, but we also offer makeup class options.
- ※ Additional material fees apply (all prices listed include tax).
- ※ Depending on the size of the project, there may be a material storage fee.
- ※ Initial costs:
‐ Weekday morning/afternoon/evening classes 44,330 yen (3 months' tuition at 13,200 yen/month (*1), textbook 3,080 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen)
‐ Weekend morning/afternoon classes 47,630 yen(3 months' tuition at 14,300 yen/month*1, textbook 3,080 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen) - *1:Tuition fees are to be paid by bank transfer. This takes about 3 months to set up, so please pay the fees for the first 3 months in one payment.
- ※ Costs in the third month (saw replacement blade:2,530 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen・2,200 yen)
- ※ Costs from the fifth month onwards (material cost: *approximately 1,000 yen/month *depending on the project)
Junior Course
About the Curriculum
Authentic Curriculum
We base our curriculum on the General (Adult) Course, incorporating creative elements to ensure an engaging experience for minors.
Active Furniture Craftspeople as Instructors
Our instructors are active furniture artisans, holding relevant qualifications and engaged in furniture production on a regular basis. You will learn authentic techniques and knowledge.
15 Years of Experience
Drawing from our 15 years of expertise in teaching adults, we tailor the learning pace to each individual's needs.
No Need to Bring Your Tools
We provide all the necessary tools for your work. You can focus on your project using well-maintained tools, without concerns about noise or dust.
Comprehensive Support
Even if you miss a class, you can take advantage of our makeup class service on another day.
Learn How to Give Shape to Ideas
Beyond acquiring solid skills, you will learn the comprehensive aspects of bringing your envisioned projects to life, including structural design, drafting, and other essential skills, working together with teachers.
Course Information
| Time | Seating capacity | Monthly fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday AM・PM | 4H | 14 ~ 21 seats | 13,200yen (incl. tax) |
| Weekday EVENING | 3H | 14 ~ 21 seats | 13,200yen (incl. tax) |
| Sat & Sun AM・PM | 4H | 21 seats | 14,300yen (incl. tax) |
※Effective from June 2024
- ※ Please consult with us regarding the days and times.
- ※ Attendance times are generally fixed, but we also offer makeup class options.
- ※ Additional material fees apply (all prices listed include tax).
- ※ Depending on the size of the project, there may be a material storage fee.
- ※ Initial costs:
‐ Weekday morning/afternoon/evening classes 44,330 yen (3 months' tuition at 13,200 yen/month (*1), textbook 3,080 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen)
‐ Weekend morning/afternoon classes 47,630 yen(3 months' tuition at 14,300 yen/month*1, textbook 3,080 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen) - *1:Tuition fees are to be paid by bank transfer. This takes about 3 months to set up, so please pay the fees for the first 3 months in one payment.
- ※ Costs in the third month (saw replacement blade:2,530 yen, practice wood 1,650 yen・2,200 yen)
- ※ Costs from the fifth month onwards (material cost: *approximately 1,000 yen/month *depending on the project)
Important Notes
During the classes students will be handling sharp tools.Chisels and planes are tools that can lead to serious injuries if not handled with care.
(*Injuries that reach the bone can occur instantly.)
Please note that, except in cases of major negligence on our part, we cannot be held responsible for injuries, illnesses, or personal property damage that occur within the classroom.
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience in woodworking, we require the understanding and cooperation of parents or guardians.
Over our 15 years of conducting woodworking classes, we have not experienced any major accident. Nevertheless, we request a three-party meeting prior to minors participating in our classes.
About Individual Lessons, Group Lessons, and Workshops
We also offer small-scale short-term intensive individual lessons, group lessons for organizations, and one-day workshops for simple woodworking experiences. The content and fees vary for each lesson, so please contact us for details.
[Past Lesson Examples]
1.Small-scale short-term intensive personal lessons: tool training, joinery, etc. [Estimated cost 40,000 yen and up]
2.Group lessons for companies and organizations: tool usage, sharpening, shaping, etc. [Estimated cost 100,000 yen and up]
3.Workshops for students (elementary school to university level) [Estimated cost 80,000 yen and up]
4.Woodworking experiences for visiting tourists [Estimated cost 50,000 yen and up]
Important Notes
We have been running woodworking classes for over 15 years.
We are dedicated to providing a woodworking education that allows individuals working with authentic materials to create furniture with precision.
Japan, a country blessed with abundant greenery, has a deep-rooted culture of wood.
For us, woodworking is a familiar way of crafting things. While many people are interested in woodworking, creating something substantial requires more technical knowledge, skills, and time than most people realize.
However, the satisfaction of investing such effort and crafting something with your own hands is immeasurable.
Items meticulously crafted from wood, a material that exudes natural beauty and strength, undoubtedly become lifelong treasures for our students.
Moving forward, we hope to continue sharing the joy and depth of woodworking with many more individuals.
It's always a source of happiness to see our students achieve their goals, whether it's becoming a furniture craftsperson or attending a furniture training school. Hearing about their post-class progress and woodworking journeys is truly heartwarming.
When our hobbyist students say 'Woodworking is fun,' it brings us great joy as woodworking practitioners. We aspire to convey the true joy of working with wood, so our classes are set to run and run!
We have a diverse group of students with various goals, such as:
- •Those who want to dedicate time to honing their craftsmanship
- •Individuals who desire to create their own furniture at home
- •People who pursue woodworking as a hobby or lifelong passion
- •Those who wish to craft furniture for their children.
We also have students from different backgrounds, including:
- •Professionals in the woodworking industry
(furniture makers, carpenters, musical instrument makers, etc.) - •Aspiring woodworking professionals (vocational school students, university students, etc.)
- •Individuals interested in pursuing woodworking as a career
- •Professionals in related fields (designers, architects, artisans working with other materials, etc.)
- •Those looking to incorporate woodworking into their existing professions (leatherworkers, tile makers, ceramic artists, etc.).
Many individuals with an interest in or connection to woodworking choose to join our classes.
