25 Dec, 2025
Inami, a town in Toyama Prefecture, developed as the temple town of Zuisen-ji and has been rebuilt repeatedly through the strength and devotion of its people despite several devastating fires. During one of these reconstructions, master carvers invited from Kyoto taught their techniques to local carpenters, marking the beginning of what is now known as Inami woodcarving. What started as ornamentation for temples and shrines gradually expanded to include transoms, screens, and other architectural elements in homes. Today, Inami carving is recognized as one of Japan’s foremost woodcarving traditions, with artisans skillfully using more than 200 chisels to create intricate works. Among these, the Inami-style ranma transoms—functional architectural panels adorned with meticulous traditional motifs—are especially iconic.
The film explores the unique Inami method, in which artisans visualize three-dimensional forms from a single flat drawing and carve them solely with chisels. Through demonstrations of Edo-period woodblock printing, viewers also learn about the delicate techniques behind aligning paper and woodblocks, offering a deeper appreciation of Japan's broader wood culture. With such rich traditions, Inami is widely regarded as one of Japan's leading centers of woodcarving.
Set against this cultural backdrop, the International Wood Carving Camp in Inami offers woodcarvers from around the world a rare opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and refine their skills. Participants first study Inami's traditional patterns and techniques and even challenge themselves with assignments that local apprentices undertake during their training. In the latter half, they create original works that blend their own cultural backgrounds and artistic sensibilities with Inami techniques. Throughout this process, carvers learn from one another, gaining new perspectives and discovering new forms of expression.
Inami is home to many skilled craftspeople, and their work can be seen throughout the town—from temple carvings to specialized toolmakers who support the craft by producing high-quality chisels essential to Inami carving.
This documentary captures how wood—an inherently sustainable, living material—brings people together and inspires global exchange. As the traditions of Inami intersect with the spirit of World Wood Day, new possibilities emerge for the future of woodcarving.