Uchiwa lettering worker
うちわもじしょこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional craft artisan who pastes paper onto the frame of uchiwa and hand-draws decorative letters or designs using a brush and ink or paint.
Description
Uchiwa lettering workers are artisans who use a brush and ink or paint to hand-write letters or decorations on the surface of uchiwa pasted with washi paper. They plan the size, placement of letters, and decorative designs suited to uchiwa for festivals, events, or advertising, and complete them in a well-balanced manner. The production process includes material selection, underdrawing, brush lettering, drying, and finishing, requiring fine brushwork skills and a sense of color. While inheriting traditional techniques, they also propose designs tailored to modern needs and handle marketing.
Future Outlook
While demand is declining due to the spread of digital printing, steady demand is expected as a hand-drawn traditional craft for tourist souvenirs and inbound products. New markets are anticipated from the expansion of online sales and custom-order demand.
Personality Traits
Able to pay attention to details / Excels in aesthetic sense / High concentration / Patient
Work Style
Commissioned production / Event exhibition / Individual workshop / Made-to-order production
Career Path
Apprentice artisan (disciple) → Artisan (independent) → Workshop owner → Traditional craft artist → Calligrapher
Required Skills
Brush lettering / Calligraphy / Decorative lettering design / Washi processing technique
Recommended Skills
Color sense / Customer service skills / Design software (basic) / Marketing knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accuracy is important in detailed brushwork and balance adjustments. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity in devising letter designs and decorations is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Numerical analysis is minimal since letter ratios and dimensions are adjusted by feel. |
Aliases
- Uchiwa lettering writer
- Uchiwa writing craftsman
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