Okawa Furniture Workshop Exploration Tour

In December 2007, I participated in a tour exploring the furniture workshops that support the Okawa furniture industry.

Lathe Craftsmen

The first stop was a lathe workshop where wooden chair and bed legs are crafted. Although machinery is used, much of the work relies heavily on the skill of the artisans. First, a wooden template is made by hand, which the machine then follows to shape the final product. Crafting the template requires a high degree of skill, showcasing the expertise of the artisans.

This machine shapes the wood by following the template created by the craftsman, with the top piece serving as the guide for the wood being carved below.

Bentwood Craftsmen

Next, we visited a bentwood workshop. Bentwood techniques are used for creating curved chair backs, for example. Normally, wood is hard and would break if forced to bend, but by adding moisture and heat, it becomes more flexible. Once bent into the desired shape, high-frequency waves, similar to a microwave, are used to set the wood in place.

This workshop can create bentwood pieces in various thicknesses.

Glass Workshop

Our third stop was a glass workshop. Photography was not permitted due to company secrets, but we learned that only three or four places in Japan produce glass products in such a comprehensive manner. The factory was modern and highly automated.

Kumiko Craftsmen

The fourth stop was a kumiko workshop. Kumiko is a traditional decorative wood technique used in sliding doors and transoms. Here, intricate patterns are created by fitting small wooden pieces together.

I tried it myself and found the process quite challenging, as each piece must be assembled in a specific order. Without knowing the sequence, it is nearly impossible to complete the pattern. As traditional Japanese homes evolve, the demand for kumiko has decreased, but artisans are adapting by using it in lamp stands and TV cabinets, showcasing their creativity.

Material Processing Craftsmen

Next, we visited a workshop that provides processed materials for furniture parts. This facility uses lasers to etch a variety of materials.

This machine rapidly moves a laser over the material to create intricate designs. They also offer glass etching and special coating services for furniture manufacturers.

NC Processing Factory

The final stop was a factory specializing in NC (Numerical Control) processing. When creating uniform parts like drawer handles, machine assistance is crucial, yet skilled operators are essential to fully leverage the machine's capabilities.

Through this tour, I gained a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and technology supporting Okawa's furniture industry. The concentration of such specialized furniture businesses in one town is something Japan, and indeed the world, can take pride in. Some of these small town factories even produce components for bullet trains and iPods. I was reminded of the value of preserving traditional manufacturing hubs, which hold irreplaceable skills honed over centuries.