Kure (くれ) Hegi Worker
くれへぎこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Kure Hegi Workers are craftsmen who manufacture wooden shingles (kokera) used for roofs and exterior walls, specializing in wood product manufacturing by thinly splitting logs and processing and finishing them.
Description
Kure Hegi Workers are technicians who mainly manufacture wooden shingles (kokera) used for roofs and exterior walls. They select logs and use woodworking tools such as axes, hammers, and planes to split them thinly along the grain direction (hegi), plane them to the required dimensions and thickness, and apply chamfering. The manufactured hegi are shipped after anti-corrosion treatment and drying, and are used as roofing or exterior wall materials for traditional architecture. The work involves a lot of manual labor, requiring wood selection based on the properties of the wood, precise dimension control, prolonged standing work, and heavy labor. It is mostly done in local workshops or specialized woodworking shops, inheriting and manufacturing using traditional techniques.
Future Outlook
Niche demand is expected to continue due to needs for traditional architecture and renovation of old folk houses, but the market is limited by the spread of synthetic materials, making technology inheritance and utilization in tourism architecture key.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands, good at detailed work / High concentration / Patient
Work Style
Contract Work / Small Team / Standing Work / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Woodworking Apprentice → Kure Hegi Craftsman → Supervisor Craftsman → Workshop Manager → Self-employed/Independent Craftsman
Required Skills
Chamfering Technique / Dimension Measurement / Wood Selection / Woodworking Tool Operation
Recommended Skills
Anti-corrosion and Insect-proof Treatment / Drying and Humidification Management Technology / Knowledge of Traditional Construction Methods
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | The precision of splitting thickness and chamfering directly affects product quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Requires prolonged standing work and handling of heavy logs. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | There is little dialogue with on-site personnel or customers. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Work is basically prescribed by traditional techniques. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Mainly dimension measurement; no need for advanced mathematical analysis. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Much of the work is individual, with little teamwork. |
Related Jobs
- Carpenter
- Roofer
- Wood Product Manufacturing Worker