Traditional Japanese Plastering

9 Days | Okayama, Japan

9 Days Course Outline:

  • Lecture on history and techniques of traditional Japanese plastering

  • Learn proper troweling techniques with traditional Japanese steel trowels

  • Making of Takekomai (bamboo lattice)

  • Preparation and practice of Arakabe (clay, chopped straw)

  • Preparation and practice of Nakanuri (brown coat earth plaster middle coat)

  • Preparation and practice of Chiri-mawari

  • Preparation and practice of Shikkui (lime, hemp, seaweed glue)

    1. Boiling of seaweed

    2. Preparation of hemp fibers

    3. Mixing of hydrated lime from limestone and seashells with seaweed glue and hemp fibers

  • Preparation and practice of Nami-otsu (coloured clay, lime, hemp)

Class Schedule:

  • Class size: 16 students

  • Lessons: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm

  • Course will be conducted in English

Additional Info:

  • Accommodation will be provided at Jibutei, a historical heritage site in Kumenan-cho, Okayama.

  • All meals during the course are included in the participation fee. We will provide delicious home-cooked meals, prepared (as much as possible) from organic and local ingredients. All workshop participants will help out with occasional set-up and after-meal cleaning shifts.

  • Transportation will be provided between daily lesson locations and your accommodation.

  • You will need to prepare the following tools to attend the class. We can help you purchase on your behalf if you do not have them:

    • Jigane or Hanyaki Application Trowel, 210mm or 225mm

    • Honyaki or Stainless Steel Finishing Trowel, 180mm or 210mm

    • Chiri Trowel 45mm

    • Large brush for wetting wall and washing tools

    • Small brush for cleaning timber frame

    • Plastering hawk

School Fees:

  • ¥440,000 (cost of accommodation and meals are included)

  • Upon confirmation, we will send you an email with more information regarding your accommodation, tools and the course so that you can plan your trip in advance.

  • If you are suddenly unable to attend the course we may be able to find a replacement from our waitlist and arrange for a partial refund.

  • In the event of unavailability, we will offer to add you to our waiting list.

  • Cancellation Policy:

    1. 60 days before start date:

      1. Cancel: 50% refund

      2. No changing of course/course date

    2. 30 days before start date:

      1. No refund

      2. No changing of course/course date