Sophisticated handcrafted engineering

In 2026, we will conclude the cycle that began in November 2025 with this second stage of the extensive program dedicated to the excellence of Japanese carpentry.

First, we presented the craftsmen and their relationship with the wood and with the forests, the different expertise required for building temples and tea houses, the wide range of tools, as well as the different types of wood with their aromas and textures.

In this part of the exhibition, the main focus is on the wooden joints techniques known as kigumi. Here,  it is possible to observe the different types of fittings, with varying purposes and uses, as well as understand the importance of the long refinement of these techniques, which rely on great dedication and, always, the crafstemen’s mastery.

If the star attraction on the ground floor was the Sa-an tea house, here the highlight is the Kintaikyō Bridge: an arched structure capable of supporting a 36-meter span without the use of intermediate pillars, a complex and exceptional piece of engineering.

The joints’ precision for a perfect fit results in durability and solidity, achieved thanks to the tension generated between the parts.

Functionality and aesthetics are equally important, and, in most cases, the joints aren’t visible. In the exhibition, not only is it possible to see them, but also to test their impressive efficiency.

The selection presented over the months on the two floors of Japan House São Paulo allows a deep immersion in the fascinating universe of wood artists.

The pursuit of constant improvement, the appreciation of manual labor, and the continuous transmission of this knowledge are key to understanding Japan as a major reference in carpentry.

Natasha Barzaghi Geenen

Cultural Director of Japan House São Paulo