Despite Japan’s modern image as a country obsessed with the latest technologic advances and all things robotic, age-old Japanese methods and traditions are still highly valued, such as carpenters who use traditional joint-making techniques to fasten together pieces of wood without nails or screws. A video demonstrating this unique part of traditional Japanese carpentry has been making the rounds on the Internet lately with netizens amazed, and oddly mesmerized, by the almost hypnotic way these carpenters perfectly connect enormous pieces of wood.
Kobayashi Kenkoku is an architectural firm based in Ehime Prefecture which specializes in traditional Japanese carpentry. The tradesman pride themselves on keeping the ancient techniques alive, and have a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing these unique carpentry methods.
A major feature of Japanese woodwork is how carpenters work without screws, nails, or any other metal fasteners to keep the wood together, which they say makes the foundation much stronger and longer-lasting. So to join pieces of wood together, the carpenters must make a series of complex joints that perfectly fit into one another. Here, the carpenters complete a kanawatsugi joint.
▼Two pieces of wood ready to be joined together with the magic of Japanese carpentry
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
The carpenters don’t use glue or any other chemical to keep the wood together, either. Instead, they slowly hammer a small piece of wood, called a plug, in between the planks to force a very tight fit that makes the two pieces of wood practically become one solid beam.
▼Slowly forcing the two pieces of wood together
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
▼The finished product: one single and very sturdy beam
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
And because there are no metal fasteners or glue, the planks can be disconnected by using the plug again to force the joint apart without damaging the wood. Take a look at the carpenters demonstrating this joint technique in the video below and let us know what you think!
Video: YouTube (小林建工)
OK, we need to watch that again right away…
Source: Curazy
Japanese woodwork: A tradition hundreds of years old, but still as cool as ever 【Video】
Animated GIFs of traditional Japanese woodworking joints are mesmerising to watch
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]