To some people, Japanese joinery is perceived as more of an art, & a science than a trade. Its high standards are revered by many woodworkers the world over. 

Japanese woodworkers are renowned for their elaborate and complex joints, and the fact that the buildings they construct are among the world's longest serving structures.

But how did Japanese woodworking gain this respect, and what is the story behind it? Let's take look at five reasons why it is simply fantastic.

1. TRADITION

Japanese joinery came about because of an abundance of trees throughout its land. Although lots of countries were covered with forest in past centuries — Japan had a tradition of respecting their trees. Many Japanese woodworkers to this day, believe in kodama —  the spirit of the tree. They believe if you treat trees well that they will grow better and produce a superior lumber. It is no wonder then that a respect for carpentry and joinery stemmed from kodama.

2. TOOLS

Japanese woodworkers have unique tools that cut on the pull stroke as compared with the push stroke of western tools — more on this below. One style is not necessarily better than the other, but the steel used in these tools matters.

Japanese steel used in woodworking tools is of a certain mix that makes it much harder, typically Rockwell 62 and up. This means a finer edge can be honed on cutting blades of saws, chisels, and planes than is typically possible outside Japan.

Another key feature of Japanese planes and chisels is the ura on the flat side of the blade. This ensures a high degree of flatness when sharpening. Meaning when the flat side is being sharpened it can't rock or develop a curve because it is only in contact with the sharpening stone on either side of its width.

3. STABILISATION

Because of the nature of Japanese tools being used in a way that cuts on the pull stroke, this means that the body can be used to stabilise the work piece and improve accuracy. Much of the work on smaller pieces of material can be done in the seated position while pulling a blade and a work piece towards the body.

Another factor that contributes to stabilisation is the height of Japanese sawhorses. They hold work pieces at a much lower height allowing Japanese carpenters to sit on top of a larger work piece.

4. PHILOSOPHY

Hisao Hanafusa of Miya Shoji emphasises that Japanese carpentry isn’t about using nature to work for you when making products, but instead working with nature to accomplish your goal. This is seen in simple ways, such as keeping the natural curves of the tree for aesthetic purposes, to more complicated and philosophical ways, such as using the wood from the bottom of trees for the bottom of structures to keep the order of nature because “trees don’t grow upside down.” Traditional carpenters don’t see the wood they use as dead trees, but as trees given a second life, a life that is visible through the expansion and contraction of the wood, even after being turned into furniture.

5. GEORGE NAKASHIMA

The American-Japanese architect and woodworker simply had to be on this list! He is an icon of woodworking. He closely studied the subtleties of Japanese design and brought them out in his work.

Nakashima's signature pieces were his large-scale tables made of large wood slabs with smooth tops and live edges. They consisted of multiple slabs, connected with butterfly joints.

Drawing on Japanese designs and shop practices, Nakashima created a body of work that emphasised the best of American and Japanese design.

CONCLUSION:

One of the beautiful aspects of Japanese culture is the harmony of modern technology and steadfast tradition. They are innovators in tech, automotive, and electronics. But they maintain huge respect for their heritage and craftsmanship. Countless Japanese structures have stood for hundreds of years. They preserve these structures tremendously. But their longevity is at least partly down to the careful craftsmanship that went into them to begin with.

The Japanese poured time into their joinery with the result that its elegance is still relevant to this day. Japanese joinery is highly esteemed. This is not to say that any one joinery method is the best, but Japanese joinery is certainly worth studying and appreciating.

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