Shogi Piece Woodworker

しょうぎごまもっこう

Industry & Occupation

Engineering & Manufacturing

Classification

Summary

Traditional craft artisan who handcrafts shogi pieces from rough shaping to carving, polishing, and lacquering.

Description

Shogi piece woodworkers create shogi piece blanks from woods like boxwood and katsura, carve letters and patterns, and beautifully finish them with lacquer and polishing. They select materials by evaluating wood grain and hardness, and process each piece accurately using stencils and tools. In lacquering and painting processes, they manage drying conditions to pursue aesthetic beauty and durability. They pass on techniques through custom orders in individual workshops or exhibitions at traditional craft shows.

Future Outlook

While there are challenges in inheriting traditional crafts, demand is expected due to the Japanese culture boom domestically and internationally. Developing diverse sales channels such as online sales and exhibitions is important.

Personality Traits

Dexterous hands, good at detailed work / Excellent aesthetic sense / Patient

Work Style

Freelance / Individual Workshop / Workshop Employment

Career Path

Apprentice → Artisan → Independent Business → Workshop Owner → Master (Successor Training)

Required Skills

Lacquer Painting / Wood Carving / Woodworking Skills

Recommended Skills

Knowledge of Material Properties / Pattern Making

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Attention to Detail & Accuracy Because it is necessary to accurately finish fine shapes and carving marks.
Creativity & Ideation Because designs matched to the wood grain and finishes that bring out individuality are required.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis Because complex calculations are few.
Collaboration & Teamwork Because work is mostly done individually.

Related Qualifications

  • Woodworking Skills Proficiency (Grade 2)

Aliases

  • Shogi Piece Maker

Related Jobs

  • Joiner
  • Woodworker

Tags

Keywords