Japanese Woodworking Season 1 Episode release dates & where to watch

1. Cutting out a Curved Beam

In this video, I'll finish a curved beam. This kind of beam cannot be processed by pre-cut machines. So this time, I'll adjust the shape by chain saw. I have to imagine how to process it in advance, so it's a difficult job. I think this kind of natural shaped materials make a unique atmosphere.

2. Making a Timber Joint by Hand

In this video, I'll make the timber joint called "okkakedaisen-tsugi" This time, I'll use the maximum size of timber for this joint. It takes a lot of efforts to make this joint. I feel fun when I drive in dowels into this joint.

3. Hand Planing Beams to Finish them

In this video, I'll finish the beams that I show in my videos before by plane. It's really hard to finish curved or long beams. But by planing, the timbers will get glossy and be waterproof, so that they will be durable.

4. Branched Log Installation

In this video, I'll install an unique shaped column of a log. I've been working as a carpenter for 48 years, but I've never experienced this kind of material with many branches. It was really hard to draw the marking and cut out it. It will be very attractive feature.

5. Stile Cutting and Installation

In this video, I'll install stiles. Stiles of cypress can be finished very beautifully. There will be a wood stove, so the shrinkage of materials tends to happen easily. So I did my best to prevent problems due to shrinkages.

6. Floor Installation for a House

In this video, I'll install 30 mm thick floor boards of Japanese cypress with knags. It was a very hot day after a long rainy season in Japan, so I was really sweaty. Flooring takes time a lot, but I like this work because of sense of accomplishment.

7. Window Hood: How to Install it

In this video, I'll install a window hood. Window hoods are to reduce the run right and rain that come to sashes directly. The roof will be finished by covered with tinplates later.

8. Building Winder Stairs

*In the video, it is explained as a spiral staircase, but the correct word is winder stairs. In this video, I'd like to show you one of the biggest works for carpenters. I'll process the winder stairs of 5 steps manually. If it has only 3 steps, it's not a big deal. But to make 5 steps is hard work. I'll use red pine. I think it will be beautiful.

9. Straight Staircase Installation

This video is a continuation of the last video. I'll make the straight staircases this time. To use natural wood materials, there are a lot of things to do, so it takes a long time. But I like this work. Wood grain of pine material for this staircase is very beautiful.

10. Indirect Lighting Installation

In this video, I'll install a ceiling and a curtain board for indirect lightings. Indirect lightings were popular before. These days, drawing rooms seldom are made, but indirect lightings are getting popular again, This time I made simple shape of it.

11. Skip Floor: How to Finish it

This time, we will create a floor that is one step higher than the floor on the second floor, a skip floor. Normally, a skip floor is created on the landing between the 1st and 2nd floors, but this time it is different. Since the bottom and top are open spaces, we will process the handrail to prevent it from falling and create a shared space that can be used by the whole family! The finish is to pull the tatami mat down.

12. Hand Wash Counters Installation

In this video, I’ll make counters for hand wash for restrooms of the first floor and the second floor. I made it a simple straight shape for the first floor. And for second floor, I made it a semicircle shape. The material is ash. It will be beautiful after painting!

13. Raised Space: How to Finish it

In this video, I'll finish the space that will be finished by tatami later. This space is raised a little, and a storage will be made under the space.I tried to prevent insects to come in and improve insulation. I used Japanese cypress that is a expensive material.

14. Door Rails: How to Install them

In this video, I installed door rails called "shikii" and "kamoi" in Japanese. It was difficult to move the columns by jack. I tried to prevent twisting of the materials. Maybe it's rare for you to see this kind of work.

15. Tokonoma: How to Finish it

In this video, I finished "tokonoma" that is a Japanese specific space for the ornament. I used the top grade of zelkova. Although it's a small space, it's hard to finish it due to many things to do, and it took a full day.

16. Wooden Deck: How to Install it

This time I will make a wood deck! We will make all the parts from hinoki cypress. The shape is simple and the easiest to use. I used nails to stop the deck material. The number of occasions when I use nails is decreasing, but I still use the round-headed nails I show!

17. Loft Ladder: How to Make it

This time, I will make a Loft ladder from scratch.I have been a carpenter for 48years, but I have never made a ladder.But looking at other carpenters and things for reference, I made it while struggling.But I think the result is better than I expected! It's a little heavy, but it's a luxurious ladder of Japanese cypress!

18. Woodshed: How to Build it

This time I made a woodshed, but it took a whole four days. It rained and there were some troubles, so I swamped a little, but I managed to finish it! Since it is a conventional construction method that does not use any metal parts, I think it is resistant to rust. I hope it can stock one winter's worth of firewood!

19. 6 Months of Carpentry to Build a House by a Japanese Craftsman

Finally, the house which I have been doing carpentry is now completed! I started to build this house when it was June, and this hot summer was really tough. Meanwhile, I was able to upload a lot of carpentry videos on YouTube I am really grateful to the owner who allowed me to shoot. This time, I made a video of the whole picture until the house was built!