Watching the craftsmanship from the sharpening of the pencil that drew up the plans to the unity and pride in construction and seeing the final product was fascinating. I’m an American carpenter and am saddened I may never experience the satisfaction of building in this fashion. Excellent video.
Maybe this documentary may give you some ideas. I think the sheer complexity of Japanese carpentry is way beyond our thought capacities. We can only admire. Good luck in your work. Greetings from France.
I trick the algorithm to show me vids from different countries by simply using google translate to find some vids and channels I like. Subscribe and watch them every now and then. Almost consistently I get a nice variety from everywhere.
Truly remarkable, hundreds of timers joined together so perfectly to form the building frame with hand tools, at today's age without a nail, screw or metal plate. True master workmanship. Hats off.
@@z16p Totally agree with you about the abundance of fine construction companies in the U.S.. However, it is also true that companies that are specialized in old style construction /craftmanship is quite rare in most developed countries compared to Japan.
@@z16p while there indeed are many fine construction companies in the US, the number that do handworked timber framing like this? . . a small percentage the number that also source and oversee the milling of logs? smaller still .. there are so so many more working with simple dimensional lumber ( 2-bys )
@@jynx2501 Well, English and German carpentry is really not all that different. Japan has more intricate joinery work and some beautiful specialty joins, and some differences in the way saws and planes function, but otherwise it's virtually the same process and tools. It's just that Japan is much better at loving and preserving their crafts.
Alex Mort yes but from a cultural “glue” perspective it seems to give more back to the community and these outcomes are not so easily measured ( although super beneficial)
The man won me over entirely when he admitted the practicality of using machine techniques and pre-fabs, despite not using them. That is a mark of true intelligence and skill: knowing the uses and strengths of other methods of doing things, choosing not to use them with confidence, and being such a master of your craft that you *don't need them*.
Many things to comment about in this beautiful video. As a hobbyist metal worker, I must comment on the tools, how effective they are and their aesthetic beauty, and how there's no music in the background while working. Having worked in construction, it was common for me to deal with music blaring in the background. It's a joy to watch someone focus on a single task, quietly.
My mother in laws' house (before she sold it) was made like this. I loved staying in it when my wife (Japanese) and I visited her. I loved the feel of the exposed wooden frames on the walls, door frames and stairs. It was so comfortable to be in and felt really warm and nice. Now I work in a timber yard and I appreciate this natural resource all the more. The homes built in Australia are wood framed as well, but they're mass produced and prefabricated. If we ever moved to live in Japan, I would build a house with carpentry. It's just so beautiful.
This was wonderful to watch. Incredibly interesting and inspiring to see the thought process for this design. Love the care and skill especially that goes behind the tremendous hardwork for building such a lovely home. Thank you!
I have watched this video many times over and still I am blown away by the simplicity and beautiful way it has been made and in the construction. I was in the building trade for 20 years and seen many different types of buildings, this type of truly hand made is the best, they can survive earthquakes, whereas the brick ones do not. Thanks for showing us this exceptional workmanship of a truly amazing home that will last for many years to come. Thank you.
Incredible that such a masterpiece work of carpentry ultimately ends up looking like a modest home that blends inconspicuously with the neighboring houses. It makes me wonder how many other homes in that area were built with similar techniques and craftsmanship. It's really a perfect example of why you can't judge a book by its cover. Wonderful video documenting the attention to detail exhibited by these true craftsmen.
yeah.. I found myself feeling let down they covered up the frame. I get it - the Japanese are modest and that's part of their beauty.. but they have an important medicine for the word in terms of learning how to slow down in a space. I would love to see how more extroverted carpenters would have designed this house. Masterful as it is in any case ofc
Most likely the other houses were the pre-fab kind. So little of present day Japan is artisanal work like this video shows. Most is now quick throw away stuff -- McHouses. Those suburbs look like yuppie middle class dolls houses, ie, status symbols. This guy contracted for an architect artisan project cos he had the $$$, not because its the norm.
I don't know Japanese and English. I live in Russia and work as a builder. Many thanks to the film crew and the masters who made this film. I look and cry with admiration. I admire the professionals who do their job not for the sake of money, but out of great love for their work.
Every bit of this house is beautifully crafted, it is amazing to see how the Japanese still carry on the skills and traditions that have been pass on for thousands of years thanks for sharing.❤️ この家のすべての部分は美しく細工されています、共有のおかげで何千年もの間受け継がれてきたスキルと伝統を日本人が今でもどのように受け継いでいるかを見るのは驚くべきことです❤️
I think every house on this planet should be built with such perfection, passion, and art, regardless the style. Can you imagine, all of us working and creating our own houses and furniture for a living? How much would we cherish our home and the things we use daily, then? The more I watch these videos, the more I want to undertake studying and practicing this craftsmanship myself!
I agree with you in some extent, but we have a word “iki” in Japanese. In Edo era, men usually wore a simple clothing on the outside of it, but sometimes the inside of it was elaborately decorated. We called it “iki” , and now we have this kind of tradition in every aspect.
even besides the contents of this video, the skill in making it is equally as admirable. the pacing, the cinematography, the editing in general... just a beautiful thing. really nice.
I'm getting older now, and I start to believe dedicating life to Beauty might be the the way to go. This man had done this, and not only by what he is building. His life is beauty. Well done sir.
Fantastic short documentary - thanks for posting it. I really enjoyed seeing the entire process from conception through occupancy. There is tremendous care shown throughout by all the craftsmen.
I'm a amateur construction worker in the US. It's amazing to see the detail and craftsmanship that they put into their work. Even in the selection of their materials they make sure it is perfect. Everything here just get slaped together with some nails or screws. I would love to be able to work to such a degree, doing this type of work.
Australia here everyday I think the exact same. No market for craftsmanship all we care about is lowest cost and quickest build, probably why nothing last hey haha… sad
you can try to do some internship with them while teaching english in japan or something. It's a different way of building, but i have two friends who go to morocco every now and then to learn building with adobe. Now that one isn't earthquake-proof, so nothing for you I guess. Just saying it could be fun to try and go somewhere else to learn.
Bought my house in 2004, and STILL am coming across things, new and old, that go back to the shoddy craftsmanship of the original build. Wood, electrical, plumbing, roofing... the list goes on. I'd love to build a new house with a contractor like this, who cares about their work, but feel that I'd just be buying the same experience that I'm in now.
This video just shows the level of crafting in this area of the world. It honestly puts the craftsmanship here in America to absolute shame. I love it. I want to live in a place like this.
Just so beautiful...it makes me cry. Not just the frame blessing, but the technical aspects of the joinery: marking from plan, cutting with chisel...and assembly by young People.
Man it would be amazing if every NYC construction site worked in the style of Japanese carpentry. I'd take the sound of wooden mallets over jackhammers and power tools all day. Those neighbors are lucky!
@MichaelKingsfordGray yes, same in Germany, they destroyed the 'Hand part' of 'Handwerk', everything is made with power tools, robots and big nasty machines. They still call it Handwerk though, which shows how hopelessly oblivious the population is to history, the natural world, and what humans can do with their own hands. The evil industrialists won. For now at least.
This is one of the most moving and artistically satisfying things I’ve ever seen on YT. I regret that I’ll never have the good fortune of living in a house such as this and built by an artiste like him. Profund reapect.
Wow I am truly inspired right now. This is so refreshing. Where I work, quick and dirty is the way and profit is what matters. The attitude and pride towards the Japanese craftsman’s work reminds me of what one’s craft is really all about. Thank you.
I read your comment and remembered a statement approximately 20 years ago from a guy who worked for a house contractor. He told me that they no longer used a square when building. They would just use a sheet of plywood to square up the walls. That was one way they increased their speed which equaled profit. I know very few people who would be willing to pay for what this detail would cost in the USA. Even fewer who could afford it. A shame really.
Everything is done with forethought and focus. It's humbling and gratifying to watch. Those chisels are probably almost sharp enough to do surgery with. And the marking and wood-selection is done with absolute commitment to accuracy and finished results. The huge variation of joints and splices available really drives home how each one has an ideal purpose, and using them all is akin to using every instrument in a huge orchestra to it's best and most harmonious extent. The finished house is a completed puzzle, and I find that beautiful. Japanese joinery really is a world apart and special to me. This whole video is so heart-warming.
So inspiring. Also a little depressing to think that even at 42 years old, I probably dont have enough time to achieve this level of craftsmanship! Really like the quote “if its not making someone happy then there’s no point in building it”. If only the rest of the world thought like that!
These types of videos. Especially like this one, are so theraputic and relaxing. And I love seeing the time and effort that goes into creating something like a house, using old techniques, percision. There is so much passion and everyone is so gentle, even the guys adding the plaster finish.
The first year of a Japanese carpenter apprentice consists entirely of learning how to sharpen edge tools razor sharp. You can’t do meaningful work in softwoods, which is the majority in Japan, without razor sharp edges.
I feel at ease after watching it. Whole process was beautiful - and so thoughtful and so respectful that it almost made my cry, when I came to realisation how much work,thoughts and prayers went into building this house.
I love the thought and skill that goes into Japanese carpentry. I can relate as I tend to think of many details when I am building something. Sometimes people tell me I overthink things but it's simply working out many variances in my head. When I was a kid and learned about building (I'm from the States), I always loved the process but subliminally knew that there was always a better way, without knowing what it was. After discovering the Japanese craft, I knew this was the way for something to be properly created. I'd love to go to Japan just to learn from a master. "If you become too practical, you'd only make simple things." Very true.
Amazing skills, work ethics to follow and all well presented from begining to the last second. Thank You very much for this video i enjoyed it. Have a great day.
Comparing traditional European timber framing and carpentry to the East Asian versions is like comparing a toddler's electric "car" to a Tesla Sportster.
I would agree that carpentry in japan is next level in terms of understanding wood science, and exquisite finishing, but the companion carpenters in France, using l'art du trait layout technics are amount the best carpenters in the world, including japan.
such beautiful craftsmanship,an eye for detail,slow and steady working,precision techniques,humble people,long lasting structures,mostly handmade,environment friendly.
This was an excellent demonstration of an ancient but superior Japanese skill, knowledge and technocracy preserved through the ages for the benefit of the human race. I learned a lot from observing the complete dedication of the master builders, their amazing skill, their deep devotion to nature and the lumber, and the magical techniques of Japanese Joinery, lost to the rest of the world. And naturally, the complete trust of the owners to the master builders. We have so much to learn from Japanese culture, discipline and devotion. I simply enjoyed every minute of it. And, the video team, as I can see, went through grave difficulties to capture meaningful moments and capture the spirit of the build. Kudos to the editor. And greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. GK Ganesan
ive always had such a fascination with japanese carpentry and wood work. what i love about it is how complicated it is in its simplicity. its very simple, yet extremely elegant, and really sturdy. it takes a lot of skill to make anything like this and its always beautiful to watch someone with experience work, and to see the art they end up creating.
Completely mesmerising craftsmanship. Does anyone know what the ceremony with rice offerings and striking the beam 3 times is called? I assume it is shinto blessing
That custom interested me as well! Notice how the first time at the beginning of the construction the rice went flying when the beam was struck - The second time after completion of the frame, the beam was hit with full force again, but the rice didn't move. I can imagine this was used as some sort of test for the rigidity of the structure in the past and became ritualized over the centuries. I'm just guessing here, but it seemed such a neat and demonstrative way to show how little vibration was caused to the structure by the hammer blows.
This is just excellent. There is a peacefulness present in the entire project, coming from the love for the design and the quality of the build. This is one of the best videos I've ever watched.
Povo especial! Lindo na essência, magnífico nos resultados! Elegância, simplicidade e beleza. Uma verdadeira obra de arte. Expressão de uma alma profunda e densa.
In America we have a technique called post and beam construction. Much of his craft has been lost to modern building mass production. I admire the Japanese that you have kept your craft alive
I remember living in Kurihama Dai, near Yokosuka and having the pleasure of watching the construction of a new home there. I explained the process to my two very young sons but It was a bit difficult as the Japanese method is quite different from American method(s). What sticks out is the complete and total attention to detail that the construction men exhibited throughout the build. Absolutely no shortcuts there, and their very serious concentration on their work told me then (1994) as it tells me today that if I could afford to, I would hire a Japanese construction company for my home build here in the USA. Shin no senmonka
I appreciate how there is a name for each process (not just for woodworking but anything in Japanese culture, really). It kind of shows respect for all processes. It also seems like it makes each building step more clear and manageable for any building project. Very cool.
We are fortunate to still be able to enjoy the way things are done in Japan today. Respect, balance, dedication and care for what you do and for whom you do it. Thank you for share!
