A Technical Walk Through of a Japanese - American House Build in Japan - Traditional Carpentry

[@bevelcarpentry]

Stunning carpentry work. I have built some impressive houses in Australia and Canada, nowhere near this level of craftsmanship though. Japanese carpentry is truly elite, the pride they take in their work is inspirational.

[@Chris-nt9lk]

Most Canadian carpentry for typical housing looks like a bunch of hacks compared to this

[@zakhassan9722]

@@Chris-nt9lk same with australia, very few trades have pride in their work, from the carpentry to the plumbing and electrical.

[@joseph7105]

A tip I heard one time for anybody building a house, is to hire the finish carpenter (the guy(s) that install your doors, trim, stairs, cabinetry, mantle etc) to frame your house, instead of hiring a framing crew. It will cost a little more, but there is no comparison between a house framed by an actual finish carpenter vs a house framed by a "framer."

[@bevelcarpentry]

@@Chris-nt9lk I work for a high end custom builder. We build some amazing houses, our carpenters and subs do great work, very small portion of the industry do though, and nobody here builds houses like these guys in Japan do.

[@bevelcarpentry]

@@joseph7105 I work for a high end custom builder. We build from start to finish, makes it a lot easier to trim the house if you've framed it. Most high end custom builders kep it all in house. It's the cheaper volume housing where it gets divided up and none cares about the trades following them.

[@hydroaegis6658]

This is nearly furniture level craftsmanship on a house frame. Amazing.

[@leprechaun7667]

Far superior...... this is Structural on a house lol 🤦‍♂️ Also don't forget the potential of what these buildings have to stand up to ( earthquake )

[@bchdsailor]

Amazing craftmanship that should impress any US or European carpenter

[@carter7289]

Not Australian, we are fucking proud our works, no one can beat us.

[@edwardsisson3580]

​@carter7289 come to Oregon, I'll show you how to do it the correct way and out surf ya😂

[@peterpan7903]

I also like this kind of work very much, this mixture of carpentry with joinery. The problem in Europe is that the professionals here could do it too, but no one can or wants to afford it anymore. And as for quality, it has to be said that in the past in Europe, and probably also in America, very elaborate carpentry work was done. So elaborate that it would now be difficult to copy this furniture etc. even with modern machines. In Japan, it seems that customers are still willing to pay for quality.

[@datrakapo4807]

@@carter7289 bit of a stretch there mate. our new homess are slapped together and start to look like shit after 20 years

[@carter7289]

@@stn7172 Glad there’s someone understand it is a joke.

[@petercklauhk]

Japanese craftsmanship always leads.

[@jonsmith9708]

Depends on the individual

[@WireWeHere]

We recofigured a sawmill and planermill in British Columbia, Canada to cut two square products for Japan, 4¾ and 5¼ inch in lengths to 24 feet from Hemlock fir. A job was created to rotate the best edge of pieces that are visible within a bundle which would often mean no knots. Beautiful stuff.

[@JedediahSmith342]

I can watch this all day long thanks for sharing ありがとう⛩️🎏🙏🏽

[@hide196944]

大工さんは地元に限るよね。 乾燥しやすい地域、湿度の高い地域、両方の地域、雨の多い地域、雪の多い地域で軸組の構造などが違ってくる。 なので大工さんの各地域の技術は方言のように多彩な事が素晴らしい。

[@s315346]

地震と雨と雪の恐れがある日本で大工さんは建築できるのが確かに素晴らしいですね！

[@JamieKunka]

As a woodworker and someone who has just got back from a trip to Japan I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying this channel! I did many trips to woodworking tool shops as per your recommendations and am really enjoying using my new Nomi and a host of other awesome tools. Keep up the good work! Jamie

[@thecarpentrylife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dontspoilmyride4905]

Thank you for all the explanations given. It is a joy to understand the reason why every single joint, bolt, section are build ans installed the way it is in those houses. Unlike other japanese videos about carpentry and construction, now I can realise the construction method. Very interesting.

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Wow, I’m telling you YT Algorithm is killing it! This is amazing work and beautiful art for a frame of a house. Can’t believe how beautiful it is.

[@anfernyjackson9013]

I'm glad there are still some places that respect wooden houses. I know a lot of American and European architects and builders constantly dump on wood as a building material, saying it's trash and disposable, used only for economic and low skill reasons. Not everyone wants to build a brick building and plaster walls.

[@trail-coffee4654]

maybe not this type of house, but i thought the japanese tore down wood houses every ~30 years. In UK and New England in the US, there are wood houses hundreds of years old.

[@chrismacleod9326]

@@trail-coffee4654My English friend who lives outside of Tokyo with his Japanese wife told me the same thing. However, the house they built was designed to last a lot longer so it may also come down to build quality and also the geographical location in terms of how many earthquakes an area endures year on over.

[@shirolee]

So amazing to see... No nails or screws, except for those huge ones mentioned..

[@MikeHarris1984]

that woodwork is stunning... It is a work of art... That needs to be on display... such amazing work.

[@joelyoung8006]

I love seeing stuff like this. Could you one day do a tool video (bags, storage, transportation, what you use, what people like to use..etc)😊

[@solac388]

Keen to see this too

[@stoffes]

we have much to learn from japanese woodworking

[@mikebolin4311]

Wow, you guys are good. Very nice workmanship.

[@macfrankist]

Beautiful work!

[@MikeHarris1984]

The attention to detail and getting EVERY joint right, the windows at perfect 90° corners, the locking of each beam, the angle cut of the rafter and the holder and its not just a notch, but an angled cut. The rafters, every corner is chamfered.... holy crap, this is the most beautiful framing i've ever seen. I would love to see Matt from the Build Show do a walk through of some of your jobsites in Japan.... The attention to detail and doing it right, over speed and getting it done fast is just mind blowing.... that framing and woodwork is art, I would want all those details exposed int he finished home if that were my home... absolutely amazing work!!!!!!!

[@seravi]

He did a video on precision framing from Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pITdcpWrfZlnoas

[@mauricebrown9094]

I have watched a lot of Japanese house building on utube over the years and I just adore the carpenters skills of building. I believe it is more superior than anything built around the world. Just amazing to watch. To become a true professional must take some time and training..

[@firstlast-ml8di]

with so much work it amazes me the homes depreciate so quickly in Japan. stunning work.

[@wallygoots]

I built a mill, bought a load of logs and have been making my first beams for my first timber frame. It's really amazing geometry and craftsmanship in your house here. Definitely something to aspire too. Spectacular work.

[@guyprolly]

Right on, man. That's the way to go.

[@bennerdan]

I'm only 4 minutes into this video, of which is the first time seeing your channel. This is absolutely amazing. Please keep doing these for the sake of preserving history. Thanks for sharing.

[@arthuresparza2617]

Thanks for the explanations. Loved the tour.

[@kakman1958]

Just beautiful - typical Japanese craftsmanship.

[@FirstLastOne]

You almost want to have transparent walls and ceilings just so you can admire the level of craftsmanship that went into building that house's frame. Of course, living in a glass house might present a few problems... 😅

[@deadtreebark]

Japanese framing and carpentry is so perfect, and it last hundreds of years easy

[@alanwilliamson2259]

Thankyou. It is very interesting to have the joints explained to those of us who admire the level of skill required. All the very best in your endeavours.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

They really take pride in their work thanks for sharing

[@aurorajones8481]

Good lord. Just beautifull. Id want as much as possible exposed to see the craftsmanship in the structure of your home. You don't see the structure being so well crafted anywhere else.

[@ivanxyz1]

Goodness! Japanese craftsmanship is awesome. Respect!

[@PhotoRam405]

Art!!!! I’m a welder and I can really appreciate this assembly 🔧

[@Shanks344]

This is insane! What a beautiful job and amazing skill on display here. Truly incredible to see all the fine detail up close. Thank you for documenting it.

[@Muus69]

American carpentry and framing pales in comparison. Absolutely incredible.

[@baumdesign8237]

Fan and grateful we're!

[@lionsden305]

So American home builder here, I build in Texas specifically. Our typical build time is around 160-180 days.. I had a buyer that came from Japan to buy a home because his daughter had moved to the states. Older gentlemen, when he bought the home it was during the frame stage & when I finished the home. He was like what do you mean there is no way, there must be something wrong, he said in Japan they take more than a year to build. I said well your not in Kansas anymore. Incredible craftsman ship.

[@lionsden305]

@@david-ow3nv likely 10x better quality in Japan. We have it backwards here in the states, everyone puts time first, quality comes 2nd.. they always preach quality, quality, quality… but their time frames and constantly bickering when you ask for more time says otherwise.

[@andersonlong7709]

Beyond amazing. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@johnt787]

Love it, beautiful, precision work done with care and skill. Thanks for making this video, truly inspiring.

[@cousin_JACK]

it truly is beautiful just wonderful

[@NSResponder]

Just looking at the precision of the foundation walls tells me that this house i built to extremely high standards. I'd love to see American tradesmen trained to this level and taking such pride in their work.

[@w8stral]

There is a reason everyone stopped building homes in this method. Ultimately it is a waste of time unless the frame will be visible. If visible and you do not want to see steel as is often the case in Interior of residential, commercial, and Church buildings all the good framers use these methods for joints.

[@markstivrins295]

Tons of north american builders and trades take at least this level of craftsmanship as standard. Megabox builder groups are not what you should be comparing to.

[@Leathal]

Good/Fast/Cheap, Pick Two (as usual with this sort of thing)

[@xostler]

Agreed I’m absolute stunned. Completely different level of craftsmanship from what I’m used to seeing…

[@w8stral]

@@xostler Oh it exists in NA, EU, Africa, SA, Asia etc, but you have to P-A-Y for it. It is horrifically expensive and often with an architecture build change utterly unnecessary.

[@darrenmacmartin9392]

Great video, thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@cj.tj.8201]

This process is fascinating. The design skill and craftsmanship are impeccable. It is truly amazing how much effort an forward thinking it takes to build Japanese homes.

[@w8stral]

How SOME Japanese homes are built. Just as how SOME homes around the world are built. There is a reason everyone stopped using this construction method. Yes, it is beautiful if you want an open beam construction interior, but otherwise it is a waste of $$$/time.

[@charliekingpin8568]

Many thanks that's a great walk through , so understandable

[@rawrmusic55]

Your channel is phenomenal. Thank you for bringing us along and opening up this fascinating craftsmanship to me half a world away. Also kudos to you for developing great skill yourself.

[@thecarpentrylife]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Tae1717]

The wood they use is so gorgeous it's a shame they get covered up

[@inthefade]

I think a lot of it is left showing in traditional Japanese architecture.

[@MrChazz965]

Amazing craftsmanship in this video that I have never encountered in USA construction.

[@mr.x1510]

That's at a higher level that I've never seen before, Very interesting

[@the_boatswain]

I am blown away by this design. We in the States are so level set on being fast and efficient, and just "getting it done" we don't do anything like this when we frame. Kind've a shame, but I get it. At least Japan is holding onto its spirit by maintaining tradition in modern methods.

[@persiancucumber9255]

The detailed craftsmanship is amazing.

[@brwsamurai]

Japanese carpentry is a whole other level.

[@sandrawest2105]

Thank you for your videos! I enjoy Architecture, and Japanese carpentry even more. Great show and tell👍. Peace 💫

[@byronn.2885]

It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a carpenter isn’t high or drunk and take pride in their work.

[@chrismills1727]

Absolutely beautiful, amazing craftsmanship. I want one

[@AcuteStressResponse]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@chuckdavis5300]

Stunning excellence.

[@DingaLingu]

I have no words

[@zidnyknight3611]

Thanks

[@mdc503]

Just wonderful to see. But to see it with a quick explanation is great. Please keep posting videos.

[@loupuleff571]

Amazing work I have been an electrician my whole life and rarely see quality work it would be a dream to work on a house like that beautiful work !!

[@seresamgala8125]

nothing but respect ... what an ancient and rich tradition of excellence!

[@deborahf3738]

Your videos are always so enjoyable and educational. Thanks

[@thecarpentrylife]

Glad you like them!

[@logans3365]

It’s amazing the techniques that develop when you design something to serve its purpose , instead of be profitable.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Simply brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing glimpses into your daily work and the outcomes from it. Would love to see you do a video of a bit of your history, how you came to the craft, and what your goals may be...

[@mattro7107]

I don't see any nails (rubs eyes) Am I seeing things? Its just so beautiful

[@martiallan]

Beautiful craftsmanship

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

And this is why you see 100-200-year-old kominka everywhere, despite the frequent disasters, humidity, and termites. The windows break, but the house still stands if the bones are good.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Brilliant The quality and reasoning for it excellent 👍🏼

[@jaaqess2525]

It’s always interesting to see how different countries build. Japan is a volcan island so it makes sense their woodwork developed over thousands of years to withstand earthquakes. Their joinery practices for structural buildings is unique and the only time joinery even comes close in America is for furniture and other decorative finish work. I’m America rather than spend the hours on sturdy joinery, we use braces and other stamped steel products to build faster. But the chances of an earthquake in most of the country are low, so production takes priority over quality or sturdiness.

[@LaGrandeBayou]

Unbelievable craftsmanship 💯

[@jakezepeda1267]

This has to be a set. I've never seen such a clean site.

[@jaysonschmitt888]

Great content!!

[@ContentRemoved___]

Very nice ❤

[@annashepard6337]

Magnificent and beautiful.

[@cara2u]

Great video, thank you! I would love to see the process of milling the timber before delivery to job site, how much machinery vs handiwork.

[@juliolopez3437]

Such beautiful carpentry. Would love to you your style be blended with a passive house design. It will be interesting to see.

[@wallycunningham5090]

Should be inexpensive and quick! DIY here I come!

[@BarkTheAlliedGiant]

Stumbled across this channel a few weeks ago. I really appreciate the precision of work and the excellent videography!

[@larrybgordon]

So awesome... great video full of 'Whaaat!' moments. Thanks for the extra effort!

[@thecarpentrylife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MRSketch09]

You know, I didn't expect to watch the whole vid, but as a westerner, who's into DIY'ing, & has done some rough carpentry, this vid was interesting. The big thing was... the fact that so much "heavy timber" was used..instead of "stick framing" like I'm used to seeing in America. The joist work gives a certain, vibe to the home, like a "sturdiness"

[@jonsmith9708]

It’s called timber framing American craftsman been doing it since beginning of America

[@SanthoshMaruthi]

Amazing presentation, thanks for sharing and explaining the incredible workmanship.

[@jamesdavidian7717]

Nice!

[@deathkid411]

I have been loving your stuff. How did you get into this?

[@nicholasmoreno4807]

Beautiful work! It's amazing the craftsmanship that they put into their work and the forethought that went into that upper beam. Loved your explanation of everything and the Traditional Japanese names to the techniques.

[@adrianonunziata4272]

Obviously you guys are not very familiar with kreg jigs…just kidding, the craftsmanship in this video and in Japan generally is truly amazing. I’m a big fan. Thanks for sharing

[@elijahf111]

I'd love to live in a Super well built or even overbuilt house some day.

[@stewietinktink8441]

Dr Horton needs to take notes on what a square and plumb wall looks like.

[@nickmolloy9563]

Great to see the framing job complete. Skilled precision and beautiful timber. Any idea on the quantity of timber used in such a build and the typical cost of the timber. That cedar has got to be very expensive. Thanks for the update TCL.

[@w8stral]

I believe the MAIN tree of Japan is cedar and they are buried in it making its price actually low in Japan. I believe if my memory is correct their Cedar strength material properties is between Western Red Cedar and Southern Pine for a USA reference woods comparison. What they import is actually Doug Fir(actually its a pine) and Hemlock if they wish for a white wood instead of the Yellow of Pine. Timber cost will be 5X that of a regular build due to size and length requirements. Labor cost? Sky high. There is a reason the Japanese like everyone else has moved onto modern construction methods.

[@austinshupe9626]

Love your videos, you do a really good job explaining and teaching of what's going on. I wish we had this level of craftsmanship in building houses in America.

[@sergewalthery7826]

Thank you live in Thailand.

[@wrkey]

This carpentry work is amazing. For each house, there muse be a ton of sawdust made with all the cut joints. I wonder how the build time compares to the build time for an American dimensional stud wall construction?

[@walterrutherford8321]

Beautiful. All I could wonder while watching that is, how much would it cost, and how many YEARS would it take to finally finish? 😮

[@SandyDriggers]

It's really interesting. Thank you for presenting. I wonder - am I seeing pencil marks on the beams and the "baseplates" where the hardware has been installed or are they small splits along the grain? Thanks again.

[@thecarpentrylife]

It is probably pencil markings. If the wood will be covered by plywood or drywall we do not remove the markings. Thank you for watching.

[@leprechaun7667]

As an irish carpenter off 65yrs, born and bred here. Im all about hand tools and joints and Mortise and i truly feel we are at a very very high standard, but in my humble opinion the Japanese are the best Carpenters in the World!!

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Glad I found this channel. Wonderful piece of architecture. Thanks for sharing. Would love to see it when it's complete.

[@gregkrazanski]

this is next level.... my god

[@LukePighetti]

DO NOT STOP MAKING THESE VIDEOS

[@xdxdsheep]

I can only imagine how much you will need to pay to frame a house with this quality of wood with this much craftsmanship in the United States. Truly incredible stuff.

[@earlfinn5489]

Unless you own a sawmill, and do all the work yourself, this kind of construction is reserved for the 1%

[@xdxdsheep]

@@earlfinn5489 The craziest thing is even the more basic, production houses in Japan would use a lot of the advance joinery and good quality wood from what I can see. I had a chance to visited a Japanese jobsite of a small town house a few years ago. The house was a production house, yet I was seeing carpenter doing fine joinery on site similar to the ones you see in his videos. The wood they used for framing would typically be reserved for furniture making in the U.S..

[@RhumRunner41]

Thank you for explaining the crawl space logic. I’m probably asking too much but would we be able to see another tour of the house once finished? I’m very curious to see the final product.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

You need to fly in the carpenters from Japan, and ship in the wood... Haha, I'm only sort of joking. They believe in quality and craftsmanship.

[@11TehDude]

Would it be possible to do some sort of interview episode with your crew? I’m dying to know what their opinions are on “American style” stick framing with 2x4s, plywood, etc. It must seem so crude and sloppy compared to what they’re used to lol

[@datsloth4108]

Best channel i've recently found. This is all so interesting cool. Would love to someday be able to build a house with these techniques.

[@michalsedy547]

Is it possible to say how many manhours does it take for preparation wood and for construction?? It is truly magnificent, i have never seen such many beauty in details and precision work. Great job!

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

This is hard to dial in without a set design...I can state that I have helped mentor a young student of the craft design that designed and built (by themselves with only technical support) a 40'X60' two-story barn from bare earth to finished frame resting on a traditional stone plinth stone foundation in only 28 days...So the speed can be more competitive with the less durable and built modern "stick architecture."