Amagasa Bone Maker (Wagasa Manufacturing)

あまがさほねせいぞうこう

Industry & Occupation

Engineering & Manufacturing

Classification

Summary

Traditional craft artisan who precisely shaves bamboo material using a lathe or hand tools and assembles the framework for wagasa.

Description

The Amagasa Bone Maker is an artisan who produces the framework (umbrella ribs) for wagasa. They select high-quality bamboo material, manage its drying, and then precisely carve every detail using a lathe, hand plane, file, and other hand tools. After shaping the ribs, they drill holes, apply lacquer coating, and assemble the main ribs, receiving ribs, rib stop fittings, etc., to complete the umbrella ribs. It requires advanced skills and years of experience, typically inherited through master-apprentice relationships.

Future Outlook

Although declining due to aging population and lack of successors, steady demand and support are expected from the perspective of regional revitalization and cultural preservation, backed by interest in traditional crafts and tourism needs.

Personality Traits

Dexterous hands skilled in fine work / High concentration / Meticulous / Patient

Work Style

Made-to-Order Production / Self-Employed Individual Workshop / Workshop Employment

Career Path

Apprentice Artisan → Artisan (Independent Workshop) → Workshop Owner → Traditional Craftsman → Instructor

Required Skills

Bamboo Material Drying Management / Hole Drilling and Joining Technique / Lathe Forming Technique / Shaving and Polishing Technique

Recommended Skills

Decoration Technique / Lacquer Coating / Traditional Craft Knowledge / Washi Paper Application

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Attention to Detail & Accuracy Because fine processing accuracy directly affects quality.
Physical Stamina & Endurance Due to the need for physical stamina for continuous handwork and maintaining posture during tasks.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Communication Skills Work-focused rather than customer-facing, with minimal communication.
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis No need for advanced mathematical calculations; emphasis on dimensional sense.
Collaboration & Teamwork Primarily individual work, with little team collaboration.

Related Qualifications

  • Traditional Craftsman

Aliases

  • Umbrella Bone Artisan
  • Wagasa Artisan

Related Jobs

  • Bamboo Craftsman
  • Bangasa Maker
  • Parasol Maker
  • Wood Product Manufacturer

Tags

Keywords