Inami Japan Traditional Woodcarving: The Secret Town of Master Woodcarvers

The Spirit of woodcarving town Inami

Inami, Japan, is home to some of the most highly skilled woodcarvers in the world and currently inhabits over 150 master woodcarvers. For centuries, techniques have been passed down from master to apprentice, following a strict lineage of learning. Carvers here are expected to embody spirit, discipline, and humility — constantly improving themselves not only in skill, but also in character.

Arriving in Inami in January 2024, Asaya was accepted as the first foreign apprentice by the Corporate Union of Inami Woodcarvers and granted the rare opportunity to train under master carvers.

To this day, Asaya has studied under several masters of the Inami tradition, improving his technical abilities while gaining a deep understanding of the cultural, symbolic, and philosophical concepts behind the craft.

handmade Japanese style woodcarving Dragon made by master carver in Inami Japan

Japanese Dragon Woodcarving – Ranma Carving (2024)

This traditional Japanese dragon was carved in the Ranma style, a form of openwork wood carving often found above sliding doors in temples and traditional houses in Japan. The piece shows a Japanese dragon in a classical winding pose, surrounded by clouds and water.

Asaya created this work under the guidance of his teacher, Master Tsuchida, a respected figure in the Inami woodcarving tradition. The project served as both a technical challenge and a cultural study, allowing Asaya to practice the rhythm and style of Japanese carving.

Japanese Bridge Japan style woodcarving exclusive wooden sculpture that is made by hand

Japanese Bridge Woodcarving – Ranma Carving (2024)

This traditional Japanese woodcarving shows an arched bridge in classic Ranma style, hand-carved by Asaya under the guidance of his teacher, Master Tsuchida. Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, the bridge spans across the water and connecting two shores.

When asked about the meaning of the piece, Asaya jokingly said: “It's a bridge between Germany and Japan.” And perhaps there's truth in that. Like much of his work, this sculpture stands as a symbol of cultural connection—honoring tradition while also creating something new across borders.

Japan style Dragon woodcarving handmade that shows how japanese master woodcarvers create sculpture

Japanese Dragon Sculpture (2024)

Asaya’s first fully three-dimensional Japanese dragon marks a new chapter in his training in Inami, Japan. After studying flat relief in the Ranma tradition, he continued his studies under Master Taniguchi to explore sculpture in three dimensions. This piece shows a winding dragon arising from the water — a classical theme brought to life through traditional Japanese carving techniques.

Handmade exclusive luxury wooden Jewelry Box carved in Japanese style woodcarving

Opening-Up – A Mechanical 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 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 2024.

Amida Nyorai – Buddha of Infinite Light japanese woodcarving handmade buddhist sculpture by master woodcarver in japan

Amida Nyorai – Buddha of Infinite Light: Japanese Woodcarving (2024)

Next to learning the classical Ranma woodcarving techniques and three-dimensional sculpture, Asaya was also introduced to another style of Japanese woodcraft: Buddhist sculpture. This depiction of Amida Nyorai — the Buddha of Infinite Light — was carved under the guidance of Master Ishihara, a specialist in Buddhist figures.

Buddhist sculpture demands a high technical precision and a strict adherence to measurements and forms. Each step of the process — from the selection of wood to the shaping of details — follows practices that have been passed on for generations. Through this work, Asaya began to learn about the spirituality behind the Buddhist craft and created his first work of this century old tradition.

JAPANESE style handmade CHESS ART PIECE with unique carved wooden chess pieces

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.