Foil Beater
はくうちこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Occupation involving the artisan technique of using hammers or rolling machines to thinly and uniformly extend metal foils (mainly gold leaf and silver leaf) and finish their quality.
Description
The foil beater handles the traditional manufacturing technique of extending metal foils such as gold leaf and silver leaf to extreme thinness. The foil is sandwiched between special papers called mochi paper or beating paper, and repeatedly beaten and stretched using hand hammers or roller-type rolling machines. Strict inspections for thickness and uniformity are conducted at each process step, with defective products removed. By combining manual labor and mechanical processing, high-quality foil is stably produced. It accommodates various applications such as crafts and architectural decorations, requiring knowledge of both traditional techniques and the latest equipment.
Future Outlook
Demand for gold leaf remains stable in the traditional crafts sector, but aging artisans and a shortage of successors pose challenges. While mechanization for production efficiency is advancing, there is steady demand for high-quality foil beating done by hand, increasing the importance of technology succession.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with nimble hands and skilled in fine work / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Career Path
Apprentice Foil Beater → Foil Beater → Supervisor Foil Beater → Artisan (Independent)
Required Skills
Hammer Operation / Metal Foil Thickness Management / Quality Inspection / Rolling Machine Operation
Recommended Skills
Material Properties Understanding / Metalworking / Rolling Machine Adjustment / Tool Maintenance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is essential to not overlook subtle differences in thickness or defects. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | High physical strength and endurance are required for repetitive beating and stretching work. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because sense and experience are valued more than advanced quantitative analysis. |
Aliases
- Foil Beating Artisan
- Gold Leaf Beating Artisan
Related Jobs
- Gold Leaf Processing Worker
- Metal Foil Processing Worker
- Metal Press Worker