Shinto Altar Carpenter
しんぐだいく
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional craft artisan who designs, manufactures, and restores wooden Shinto ritual implements used in shrines.
Description
Shinto altar carpenters are artisans who manufacture and restore various Shinto ritual implements such as offering boxes, offering tables, lantern stands, and portable shrines used in shrine rituals and ceremonies. They use traditional techniques including timber selection, marking out, joinery, carving, polishing, and lacquering, and perform fittings installation and finishing work. Restoration work includes repairing and reinforcing age-deteriorated implements, as well as combining with new materials as needed. In recent years, alongside the inheritance of traditional construction methods, modern approaches such as CAD design support and the use of new materials are also being introduced.
Future Outlook
While the shortage of successors due to an aging population presents a challenge, demand for traditional culture preservation and shrine restoration remains stable, with expectations for training young artisans and support for skill succession.
Personality Traits
Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Meticulous / Patient / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Manufacturing Contractor / On-site Work / Sole Proprietor / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Carpenter → Craftsman (Shinto Altar Carpenter) → Master Carpenter / Foreman → Independence / Workshop Establishment → Traditional Craftsman
Required Skills
Carving techniques / Joinery techniques / Lacquering techniques / Wood processing techniques / Woodworking tool operation
Recommended Skills
CAD design / Fittings installation techniques / Material selection / Project management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is necessary for precise joinery and carving finishes. |
| Creativity & Ideation | The ability to creatively design decorations and carvings for Shinto ritual implements is required. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is required for transporting heavy timber and long hours of work. |
Related Qualifications
- Wood Products Manufacturing Technician
Aliases
- Shinto Altar Artisan
Related Jobs
- Buddhist Altar Carpenter
- Joinery Carpenter
- Shrine Carpenter
- Woodworker