Anyone visiting the
Japan House São Paulo starting November 11th will be able to experience a true immersion into Japanese carpentry in an exhibition installed on the ground floor. Titled
"Immersed in the Forces of Japan's Forests – Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit", the exhibition has already passed through London and Los Angeles and is curated by
Marcelo Nishiyama, associate director and chief curator of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum (Kobe, Japan).
Japan has about 67% of its territory covered by forests, and for this reason, it is recognized as one of the most forested countries in the world, according to data from the Embassy of Japan in Brazil. Living in this scenario, the carpenter, master of wood, seeks permission from the deities of the mountains and forests to take care of the trees, carefully analyzing the characteristics and growth of each species to use the right wood for each purpose. With respect and admiration for nature, in addition to the responsibility of building something lasting, Japanese carpenters have developed a highly refined technique that does not rely on nails or metal pieces. "To determine the suitable wood, Japanese carpenters first select a forest and then choose the most appropriate tree. Just like people, trees have varied characteristics and to make the most of them, it is essential to understand their projects: trees that grow from the middle of the mountain upwards, for example, are more suited for structural elements such as pillars and beams, while those that grow quickly in valleys are better suited for finishing and decorative elements," explains the curator. At the Japan House exhibition, the technique of Japanese carpentry is presented to the public through the perspective of two types of crafts: the work of builders of traditional Japanese architecture such as temples and shrines, called dōmiya daiku; and carpenters sukiya daiku, specialists in building tea houses. There is also a life-sized replica of the famous Sa-an Tea House, from the Daitoku-ji Gyokurin-in Temple, located in Kyoto, which represents sukiya carpentry. Built in 1742, this tea house was constructed with natural materials like bamboo and wood. In the presented model, parts of the walls and ceiling have been partially removed to reveal the precision of the carpenters and the structural ingenuity, which are normally not visible. Additionally, the exhibition displays 87 examples of traditional tools from Japanese carpentry, showcasing the diversity of this ancient craft. "For the Brazilian public, we wanted to bring even more information about these elements through content available for access via QR Codes in the exhibition, as well as videos and photos that help illustrate their uses. It is a unique opportunity to dive deep into the rich universe of Japanese carpentry, which awakens so much curiosity and admiration," explains the cultural director of Japan House, Natasha Barzaghi Geenen. To complement the experience, an immersive installation allows visitors to feel as if they are inside a forest and experience the aromas of eight Japanese trees, such as hinoki (cypress), sugi (Japanese cedar), and cherry tree. During the opening week of the exhibition, Japan House will offer the public a series of activities such as guided tours and a lecture with curator Marcelo Nishiyama. Throughout the entire exhibition period, there will also be events related to the theme. Just keep an eye on the institution's social media and website. The exhibition will also have a second part, scheduled for March 2026, dedicated to kigumi, an architectural technique that consists of carving wooden pieces to fit perfectly. This ancient system was even used in the construction of the facade of Japan House São Paulo, crafted with more than six tons of hinoki wood (Japanese cypress), one of the favorites of Japanese artisans for both its flexibility and durability.
Exhibition "Immersed in the Forces of Japan's Forests – Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit" Period: November 11, 2025, to April 5, 2026 Location: Japan House São Paulo, Ground Floor – Av. Paulista, 52 - São Paulo/SP Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 10 AM to 7 PM. Free admission. Advance online reservations (optional) on the website. 
