Bamboo rake maker
くまでせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Bamboo rake makers shape and decorate kumade bamboo rakes, which are traditional New Year's lucky charms, using wood and bamboo in a traditional manufacturing occupation.
Description
Bamboo rake makers produce kumade bamboo rakes used as New Year's lucky charms. Using bamboo and wood as materials, they perform shaping tasks such as cutting and carving, finish with lacquer painting and coloring, and then attach decorative items like bears, sea bream, and fans. The work is mainly done by hand in workshops or small manufacturing sites, with peak season from autumn to year-end. Inheritance of traditional techniques and ingenuity in design are required, and opportunities for developing tourist souvenirs and inbound products are increasing.
Future Outlook
While the lack of successors due to aging is a challenge, there is expectation for maintaining value as traditional crafts and expansion in demand for tourist souvenirs and inbound products.
Personality Traits
Creative / Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Seasonal busy period / Self-employed / Workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice artisan → Bamboo rake maker → Workshop owner → Workshop manager or successor → Traditional craftsman
Required Skills
Adhesive assembly techniques / Carving and shaping techniques / Decorative item attachment techniques / Lacquer painting techniques / Wood and bamboo processing techniques
Recommended Skills
Design drafting / Machine processing operation / Quality control / Traditional craft techniques
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because detailed decorations must be worked on accurately. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because various decoration and design ideas are required. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical strength is required for long hours of standing work and material handling. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Only basic dimensional calculations are needed, no advanced mathematical analysis required. |
Aliases
- Bamboo rake artisan
Related Jobs
- Bamboo craftsman
- Lacquerware artisan
- Tatami mat maker
- Woodworker