【MEET THE LOCAL UCHIKO】Japanese Candle Making & Gilding Washi Tapestry Making PR Video
■Japanese Candle Making Experience in Uchiko Town
Omori Japanese candle shop has passed down the traditional “raw hanging method” of ancient Japan for seven generations. This PRAVAITE Japanese candle-making experience will be taught by the seventh-generation craftsman of Omori Japanese Candle shop.
The experience starts with learning about wood wax which Japanese candles are made of at the Japanese Wax Museum. Uchiko Town prospered by the production of Japan wax from the late Edo to Meiji era (latter half of 19th century). The museum shows Japan wax production processes with models and videos. The guide will lead you through the museum.
And then received a lecture on Japanese candles by the craftsman himself before starting to make a Japanese candle. The craftsman layers the wax several times on the wick in advance, and then you layer the wax several times to finish the one-of-a-kind Japanese candle by hand. You can take home the one you made and one product made by the craftsman, a total of two candles, one candlestick made by Uchiko’s blacksmith, and one wick cutter.
After the workshop, you can enjoy matcha tea and interact with the craftsmen in a space lit by Japanese candles.
Then walk though the Yokaichi & Gokoku street with the guide, visit the Omori candle shop and see the workshop space that anyone cannot normally enter.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience where you can learn more about Japan’s rare traditional crafts and feel their beauty.
■Gilding Washi Tapestry Making Experience in Uchiko Town
“Gilding washi” is a fusion between ”Ozu washi” paper and the traditional French metal foil decoration technique “gilding,” and used for wallpapers and store decorations for homes and hotels.
In the clear stream of the Oda River that flows through Uchiko Town, “Ozu washi” is produced using the traditional “sink straining” technique. This washi, which is said to have been made since the Heian period and supported the feudal government of the Ozu clan in the Edo period, is now used not only as high-quality washi paper such as calligraphy paper and shoji paper, but also as kite paper for the “Ikazaki Great Kite Battle”, a traditional event in Uchiko Town that has lasted for more than 400 years, and is carefully produced by hand by local traditional craftsmen and craftsmen at the Tenjin Paper Factory in the Ikazaki area.
This experience starts from the Japanese paper factory tour to know how the washi is made. Then, under the craftsman guidance, make a large gilding washi tapestry. Take the finished work home and display it in your favorite place to incorporate Washi into your life.
Enjoy the “only one in the world” experience unique to Uchiko Town.
To know more about these experience, please visit our official website.
■Japanese Candle Making
【MEET THE LOCAL】7th Generation of Tradition : Japanese Candle Making Experience
■Gilding Washi Tapestry Making
【MEET THE LOCAL】Gilded Washi Tapestry Making and Paper Factory Tour