About Asaya: Mexican & Japanese Woodcarving Master (+ His Story)

A Journey in Craft - Traditional Woodcarving

Born into a family of academics in Germany, Asaya initially followed a conventional path, studying Physics at university. Yet it was not equations, but woodcarving that ultimately called him. After studying woodcarving on his own and feeling confined in his opportunities, he left Germany to learn directly from traditional craftsmen worldwide. One year in Sweden, then another year under local artisans in Mexico, and since early 2024, he has been living in Inami, Japan—the center of traditional Japanese Woodcarving. His journey reflects a deep commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence.

In his pursuit to study under the best, Asaya currently lives and learns in Inami, Japan, where he studies under Master woodcarvers. Absorbing the skills that have been passed on over generations, he is not only refining his techniques, but striving to absorb the dedication, precision, and patience that define this centuries-old craft. From Physics scholar to dedicated artisan, Asaya has committed his life to honoring and preserving the stories and techniques of ancient craftsmanship across continents.

Each of Asaya’s works shows a moment of this journey—combining tradition and stories of cultures with his own heritage, upbringing and understanding. Below is a curated selection of carvings created throughout his evolving path.

Mexican Bull (2023) luxury wooden sculpture handmade mexican woodcarving style

Mexican Bull Woodcarving (2023)

Carved from Mexican Copal wood and painted in acrylic, this was carved in the traditional style of Alebrijes (spirit animals) of the woodcarving town San Martin Tilcajte, Oaxaca.

Ra – The Egyptian Sungod handcarved luxury wooden sculpture in mexican woodcarving style

Ra – The Egyptian Sungod - Woodcarving (2023)

Following this interest in old legends and myths and using the techniques learned in Mexico, this work depicts the Egyptian (Kemetic) Sungod Ra. Asaya drew directly from ancient Kemetic hieroglyphic texts that tell the story of Ra’s creation, painting these sacred symbols onto the figure’s surface as both ornament and narrative.

Japanese Dragon handcarved japanese style woodcarving

Japanese Style Dragon Woodcarving (2024)

Created under the guidance of Master Tsuchida, this dragon is one of Asaya’s first works completed in Inami, Japan. Carved from Japanese camphor wood, it follows the traditional Japanese style of Ranma—ornate transom panels placed above doorways to allow light and air to pass between rooms.

Amida Nyorai handcarved japanese Buddha woodcarving in Inami

Amida Nyorai - Japanese Buddhist Woodcarving(2024)

Next to studying the traditional Ranma style, Asaya also was taught in the art of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. This representation of Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light, was carved under the guidance of Master woodcarver Ishihara Yoshisada.

Opening Up, handcarved wooden jewellry box in the shape of a bird

Opening Up – Wooden Jewelry Box (2024)

While learning the traditional style of Japanese woodcarving, Master Taniguchi encouraged Asaya to begin exploring his own artistic voice. Inspired by his teacher’s work and his own background in physics, Asaya created "Opening Up"—a mechanical wooden sculpture in which a bird’s wings unfold to reveal an egg-shaped jewelry box hidden within. The movement is activated by a discreet lever, showcasing precision engineering with poetic design. This piece was also selected for and awarded at the Ecchu Art Exhibition, Toyama, Japan 2024.

Shojin Premium Art Piece handcarved wooden chess board and set with Japanese style woodcarving

ORIGINAL JAPANESE SHO’JIN CHESS PREMIUM ART PIECE NR. 1 (2024/2025)

In late 2024 and early 2025, Asaya completed his most ambitious commission to date: The ORIGINAL JAPANESE SHO’JIN CHESS PREMIUM ART PIECE NR. 1. This work combines traditional Japanese woodcarving techniques with the European concept of chess. Commissioned by the founder of Shojin Chess—a new, evolved version of classical chess—the aim of the project was to embody the spirit of shojin through form, material, and execution. Leading a team of Japanese artisans, Asaya brought this vision to life with precision, respect for tradition, and contemporary artistic insight.

Handcarved wooden dragon relief in japanese style woodcarving

Dragon Relief - Incent Stick Holder (2025)

Following the tradition of Japanese wood carving, Asaya created this dragon relief carving as a commission for a European client. The relief serves as incent stick holder, is carved out of Japanese nutmeg-yew wood, and combines the imaginations of the client and Japanese style wood carving, as practiced in Inami, Japan.