Eiko Koge Kumiko Craftsman Workshop Tour & Hands-on Experience

【Highlights】
* Guided tour in English of a workshop run by a third-generation Buddhist altar kumiko craftsman
* Learn about the cultural background of "kumiko," a unique Japanese structural beauty that uses no nails
* Explanation of naturally dried wood and the precision processing steps
* Hands-on experience creating a "hemp leaf pattern," which has meanings of warding off evil and praying for growth
* Take home your completed kumiko as a souvenir
* Introduction to examples of Buddhist altar renewal and modern kumiko interiors

【Details】
Visit the workshop of "Eiko Koge," a company in Hiroshima that has been making kumiko Buddhist altars for three generations. Learn about the wood drying and processing steps and the background of kumiko in Buddhist altar culture, while experiencing "kumiko," a traditional Japanese architectural decoration technique. Kumiko is an artistic Japanese decoration that is finished without using any nails. Choose from three types of kumiko, including the representative hemp leaf pattern, and assemble it using cypress wood parts without using nails. This is a cultural experience where you can feel the world of Japanese aesthetics and exquisite handiwork with all your senses.


Schedule (Course Content)
1. Orientation (approx. 10 minutes) Explanation of Eiko Koge's history, Buddhist altar culture, and the role of kumiko (traditional Japanese woodworking).
2. Workshop Tour (approx. 20 minutes) Introduction to the wood drying and processing process, machinery designed by craftsmen, and environmental initiatives.
3. Explanation of Kumiko and Patterns (approx. 10 minutes) Meaning of patterns such as hemp leaf and sesame seed patterns, and kumiko culture as Japanese architectural decoration.
4. Kumiko Experience (approx. 15 minutes) Assembling a hemp leaf pattern using cypress wood parts.
5. Summary, Q&A, and Commemorative Photo (approx. 10 minutes) Handing over completed works, and a message from the craftsman.