Bent wood manufacturer
きょくぶつせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that manufactures wooden containers such as bento boxes and trays by steaming wood to soften it, bending it along a mold, and applying adhesion, polishing, and painting.
Description
Bent wood manufacturers are traditional woodworkers who steam woods such as hinoki and sakura to soften them and bend process along molds. The bent wood is pressed with adhesive, and after drying, polished, painted, and finished. Mainly manufacturing wooden containers such as bentwood bento boxes (magewappa), trays, and tiered lunch boxes, requiring precise handcrafting and beautiful finishes. Processes include steaming, bending, adhesion, polishing, and painting, necessitating multi-stage techniques, with years of experience-based proficiency directly linked to product quality.
Future Outlook
Challenges include aging and lack of successors, but demand is expected for utilizing traditional crafts in regional revitalization and tourism fields.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration
Work Style
Made-to-order production / Solo workshop / Traditional crafts / Workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice craftsman → Craftsman (independent) → Workshop owner/master craftsman → Traditional craftsman → Instructor/instructor
Required Skills
Adhesion and pressing techniques / Dimension measurement / Polishing, painting, and finishing / Wood steaming and bending processing / Woodworking tools
Recommended Skills
CAD / Marketing knowledge / Painting techniques / Quality management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because minute precision is required in bending processing and finishing. |
| Creativity & Ideation | To preserve traditional techniques while devising new designs. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because high physical stamina is needed for long hours of processing and polishing work. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because only basic mathematical skills such as dimension measurement are sufficient. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional craftsman
- Woodworking skilled worker (Grade 2)
- Woodworking skilled worker (Grade 3)
Aliases
- Bentwood craftsman
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