Compete in Japan 2009

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I was lucky enough to be offered to compete at the Japan National Joinery Union Tategu in Shizuoka in 2009. Held in a different city every year, my good mate Sasaki San set it up with his local group of Shiga for me to compete. Turned out I'm the first to do so. I mean WOW! Really? But only at category 2 and that is understandable being the level of work I was about to witness.

I made everthing here in Oz disassembled and shipped it over to Sasaki San's workshop in Shiga. When I arrived in Japan we set about to assemble and use the warlon 2mm sheeting that slips in through the top rail. (double M&T for dual rails) We made a frame for it to be housed into for display. The timbers were Jarrah for the frames and Sheoak for kumiko & bottom panel. Bottom panel was solid and not veneer and was book matched from one piece. The design I called "Stand of Trees". I also made some Sheok and Jarrah gum leaves with the scroll saw to scatter at the floor/base for good measure. We took it down the road to a freight company who would take it to Shizuoka.

The whole event is for the groups to go to the Tategu over 2-3 days and over the journey visit other woodworkers/busnesses along the way. Yes hotels, onsens and nights out (karaoke with a few drinks always) is the norm. A good time all round.
On the day (always a Thursday or Friday) for the huge groups that come from across all of Japan (1000's) the convention opening is a formal affair by the Unions dignitaries. We get to also sleep from a hangover for the next hour while all the dignitaries present the awards to the competitors at the auditorium. Then after this we all get first hand views at the competition works before it's open to the public right to the Sunday while we get to party.
The pics: Some are from other years
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Very impressive stuff. Congrats and nice work.
That volcano is next level.

Shane...that's Mt Fuji

The four panel Mt Fuji is spectacular! How were the colours achieved; by dyeing the kumiko filler pieces or by painting the paper?

Kumiko colour

It is usually achieved by using just different colored timbers selected very carefully!. Sugi is the most common and can vary like other timbers grown in different soils/area's giving other colours.
Like my shoji using different types of timber. As we all know some contrast with others to give surprising results. Jarrah and Aus Oak (mixed media) are a fav of mine.

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Originally Posted by NCArcher

Shane...that's Mt Fuji

:doh2:
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