Japan House São Pauloトピックス
Imbued with the Power of Japan’s Forests – Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit
Highlighting respect and admiration for Japan’s natural landscape, the exhibition displays the art of Japanese carpentry and the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisans
Imbued with the Power of Japan’s Forests –
Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit
According to data from the Japanese Embassy in Brazil, Japan is one of the most forested countries in the world, with roughly 67 percent of its territory covered by forests. In this context, the carpenter—the master of wood—seeks permission from the mountain and forest deities to tend to the trees, studying their characteristics and growth with great care to ensure that each type of wood is used for its most fitting purpose.
Respect, admiration, responsibility, and commitment
Rooted in deep respect and admiration for nature, as well as a keen sense of responsibility and dedication to creating enduring structures, Japanese carpenters perfected an exceptionally refined technique that requires no nails or metal components. This spirit is at the heart of the exhibition ‘Imbued with the Power of Japan’s Forests – Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit’.
Curated by Marcelo Nishiyama, associate director and chief curator of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, Japan, the exhibition arrives in São Paulo after previously being displayed at Japan House London and Japan House Los Angeles.
In São Paulo, the exhibition will also feature a second phase, scheduled for March 2026, which will focus on kigumi—an intricate architectural technique involving the precise carving of wooden pieces that interlock seamlessly without the need for nails or adhesives. This centuries-old technique was even employed in the construction of the Japan House São Paulo façade, which was crafted from more than six tons of hinoki (Japanese cypress)—a wood highly valued by Japanese artisans for its remarkable combination of flexibility and durability.
“To find the ideal wood, Japanese carpenters begin by selecting a forest and then carefully choosing the tree best suited for their purpose. Just like people, trees possess distinct characteristics, and to make the most of their qualities, it is vital to understand the environment in which they grow. Trees that develop from the middle of the mountain upward, for instance, are better suited for structural elements such as pillars and beams, whereas those that grow more rapidly in valleys are ideal for finishing and decorative details”, explains the curator.
Technique in Perspective
In the exhibition, Japanese carpentry is presented through the lens of two distinct yet complementary crafts: the work of dōmiya daiku, the master builders of traditional architecture such as temples and shrines, and that of sukiya daiku, the specialized carpenters devoted to the delicate construction of tea houses.
The exhibition also includes a life-size replica of the renowned Tea House Sa-an, from the Daitoku-ji Gyokurin-in Temple in Kyoto—an iconic example of sukiya carpentry. Built in 1742, this teahouse was constructed using natural materials such as bamboo and wood. In the model displayed at JHSP, portions of the walls and ceiling have been partially removed to expose the intricate craftsmanship and structural brilliance of traditional carpentry—details that are typically hidden from view.
In addition, the exhibition displays 87 traditional Japanese carpentry tools, offering a vivid illustration of the diversity, precision, and depth of this centuries-old craft.
“For the Brazilian audience, we aimed to offer additional insights into these elements through content accessible via QR codes within the exhibition, along with videos and photographs that help demonstrate their practical applications. It is a rare opportunity to explore the rich and fascinating world of Japanese carpentry—an art form that continues to inspire deep curiosity and admiration”, says JHSP Cultural Director Natasha Barzaghi Geenen.
A Japanese forest at Av. Paulista, 52
An immersive installation complements the exhibition, inviting visitors to step into a Japanese forest. Within this space, they can breathe in the natural fragrances of eight native tree species—including hinoki (Japanese cypress), sugi (Japanese cedar), and sakura (Japanese cherry)—among others.
JHSP Accessible program
The exhibition is also part of the JHSP Accessible program, offering tactile resources, audio description, and videos in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
About Marcelo Nishiyama
Curator of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, Japan. Specializing in the history of architecture and design, he has curated several exhibitions grounded in research on construction technology. His work encompasses a broad range of subjects, including carpentry and toolmaking, blade crafting, and the art of sakan (traditional Japanese wall finishing), as well as modern construction methods such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). He recently curated exhibitions at the Manggha Museum (Poland) and the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris (France).
More information:
Exhibition // Imbued with the Power of Japan’s Forests – Masters of Carpentry: Skill and Spirit
#MestresDaCarpintaria #FlorestasDoJapão #KigumiNaJHSP
Period: November 11, 2025, to April 5, 2026
Free admission.
Japan House São Paulo | Ground floor
Address: Avenida Paulista, 52
Free admission
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm;
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Japan House São Paulo remains closed on Mondays, without exception, including on holidays.
Check out the program at www.facebook.com/JapanHouseSP/ and @japanhousesp