■About this Video In this first episode of the Masters of Japan series, meet Yutaka Mogami, a third-generation master of Edo sashimono, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique with over a century of history. Learn how this craft creates nail-free furniture that balances strength with refinement, and the concept of “Edo elegance.”
■In this Episode – Edo Sashimono Master Yutaka Mogami Founded in 1912, the Mogami Kogei workshop carries over 110 years of Edo sashimono woodworking tradition. Third-generation master Yutaka Mogami is an expert in traditional joinery techniques and creates functional, elegant furniture that suit modern living.
■Yutaka Mogami’s Philosophy The beauty of Edo sashimono lies in its elegant yet deceptively strong form, and in the hidden details where true craftsmanship shows itself. With inherited tools and refined skills, Mogami Kogei honors tradition while creating pieces for modern living. Through hands-on experiences, Yutaka Mogami hopes guests will feel both the legacy of the craft and the joy of making something themselves.
■About Wabunka Wabunka was founded to carry Japan’s cultural traditions into the future. We work with artisans and local communities to create authentic experiences that allow travelers to discover a more personal and meaningful side of Japan.
These encounters go beyond sightseeing. Travelers meet artisans, experience their craft firsthand, and discover the stories behind Japan’s traditions, landscapes, and daily life.
At first glance, it looks like a car, but it's actually a construction site.
I think that's what connects us to the spirit of Edo.
In the Edo period, there was a ban on luxury goods,
so you couldn't wear a kimono even if you wore a haori.
But you could wear a kimono on the back, but you couldn't wear a kimono on the front.
I think that's what connects us to the spirit of Edo.
You can't see the outside of the house,
but I think that's what connects us to the spirit of Edo.
It's not visible to people, but I'm doing this much work.
I think it's a way of life.
At first, I cut a big tree into small pieces.
After that, I use a plane to cut it.
I use a plane to flatten the material.
In order to cut it, the blade must be cut well,
so I sharpen it every day.
I sharpen it every day.
I've been sharpening it for a long time, so I think it's been about 10 years.
I've never used this new plane before.
The blade is about 10 centimeters long.
This one is only about 5 to 6 centimeters long.
This is called azebiki-noko.
I cut it when I make a groove like this.
This is my grandfather's saw.
It's a saw, but it's this size as I sharpen it.
It's a saw that's been around for over 100 years.
Then I make a groove.
I make a groove.
I think the most difficult thing is the groove.
I think it's fun to dig with a single chisel, but it's a lot of work.
I'm going to assemble it and see if it fits in the groove.
The trees are shrunk.
If you can't think about it and make it, it depends on the humidity.
Sometimes the drawer doesn't open.
Sometimes the door doesn't close.
I think it's important to make it while thinking about that.
It's called Edo-sashimono.
It's named after the fact that it connects trees.
Another theory is to make a coffin using a saw.
It's also called a saw in the heaven.
There are many small things that are used on tatami.
If it's a big thing, it's a box.
If it's a small thing, it's a drawer.
If it's the smallest thing, you can make a bridge or a bridge.
I'm going to build it.
I used to be able to connect from scratch.
It's an old method.
While using a technique or technique,
I'm looking for something that works in modern life.
If you are able to experience it,
I used to use hand tools in the old days.
I'm financially available now.
I can afford it, too.
I think that's one of the things you can look forward to,
