Zenkiji (zenkiji) Manufacturing Worker
ぜんきじせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A woodworking technician who creates the wooden blanks for wooden trays (zenkiji) used for meals and dishes, handling everything from lumber selection to shaping and polishing.
Description
The zenkiji manufacturing worker is a specialist who manufactures the wooden blanks that form the base for wooden utensils such as zenkiji and trays. They handle timber selection, sawing, shaping operations using woodworking machines like saws, routers, and planers, finishing operations such as chamfering and polishing, and manage product dimensions and surface quality. Work is carried out based on drawings and specifications, with responsibility for tool and machine maintenance while paying attention to safety and hygiene. Since the products are passed on to the final lacquering or painting processes, high precision and smoothness are required. They mainly work in factories or workshops and are utilized in traditional crafts fields and the commercial tableware market.
Future Outlook
While the wood products market is stable, challenges include competition from low-priced imports and a shortage of artisans. Demand for skilled workers is expected to continue due to high value-added products, custom orders, expansion of the traditional crafts and tourist souvenir markets, and promotion of sustainable timber use.
Personality Traits
Can pay attention to details / Dexterous hands and good at fine work / Has cooperativeness / Has patience / Has physical strength
Work Style
Contract Employee / Factory Employment / Full-time Employee / Self-employed Freelancer / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Woodworker → Zenkiji Manufacturing Worker → Group Leader → Factory Manager → Workshop Establishment/Independence → Transfer to Lacquerware Manufacturing Artisan
Required Skills
Polishing and Finishing Technology / Reading Drawings and Specifications / Safety and Health Management / Wood Processing Technology / Woodworking Machine Operation
Recommended Skills
Basic CAD Operation (for Woodworking) / Knowledge of Wood Characteristics / Machine Maintenance / Quality Control (Dimension Inspection)
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because finishing precision directly affects product quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Due to long hours of standing work and handling heavy timber. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Mainly simple dimension measurement, with little advanced mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Wood Processing Skills Certification (Woodworking Technician) Grade 1
- Wood Processing Skills Certification (Woodworking Technician) Grade 2
Related Jobs
- Lacquerware Manufacturing Worker
- Lumber Mill Worker
- Wood Lathe Operator
- Wood Product Manufacturing Worker
- Woodworker