I like Craft and Creation

Carpenter

Just looking at those tools makes one’s hands itch to get started. Using a vice, files, and sandpaper to polish a surface until it gleams brings immense satisfaction. When rods and wooden boards are fixed together, then using the square, inkpot, ink ruler, plane, chisel, saw, and other seven categories of tools, the wooden construction of buildings can be carried out.

The profession of carpenter has a long tradition. In recent years, with the rapid development of construction machinery and IT technologies, CAD blueprints have appeared, and the work of carpenters has changed significantly. The buildings constructed by carpenters are also influenced by people’s lifestyles and environmental factors, such as the installation of barrier-free facilities, earthquake-resistant structures, thermal insulation materials, and the avoidance of indoor pollution.

Generally, one can work in a construction company or an engineering office, or become an apprentice to learn the craft. To stand on one’s own, however, it is necessary to obtain the national qualification of Skilled Building Carpenter. Although the number of houses built by residential construction companies continues to increase, in reality most of the work still depends on carpenters. Therefore, carpenters today must also learn knowledge related to new building materials and new technologies.

Yet, basic techniques such as hand-cut joinery can cause great differences in the finished product depending on skill. Thus, highly skilled carpenters are often valued, and their income is correspondingly higher. In addition, in recent years, naturally textured and wholesome wood has once again been highly praised, and traditional wooden construction has seen a sharp rise in popularity. Renovation and expansion demand has also grown. Carpentry is a profession bearing the important role of “building homes,” and demand will certainly continue.

Palace Carpenter

Palace carpenters are specialized in constructing wooden buildings such as shrines and Buddhist temples. Every shrine and temple is unique, so palace carpenters never build identical structures. They also sometimes disassemble, repair, and restore cultural heritage sites, and sometimes work on historic structures intended to last for centuries.

Therefore, palace carpenters must not only possess extremely high technical skill, but also knowledge from many fields, ranging from archaeology to geology and soil science. Palace carpentry operates under a master-apprentice system: apprentices live with their masters, learning every technique and piece of knowledge while inheriting the intuitive judgment required of palace carpenters.

From the perspective of demand, the market is unlikely to fluctuate greatly. However, the work carries the significant mission of passing on traditional techniques to future generations.

High-Rise Construction Worker

At construction sites of tall buildings, these workers are responsible for erecting scaffolding, steel frames, and installing machinery at great heights. Because they work high above the ground, intense concentration and a strong sense of balance are essential. Of course, this job is unsuitable for those with a fear of heights.

Although danger is ever-present, high-rise workers are popular figures among construction workers, with high income and high social esteem. While it is a job where physical strength determines success, with effort it is possible to obtain relevant qualifications such as the Second-Class Architect, allowing for further advancement.

In recent years, with the decline in construction companies, opportunities for high-rise work have decreased. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, “Construction begins with high-rise work and ends with high-rise work.” These workers remain indispensable to the industry.

Plasterer

Plasterers mainly use materials such as earth, sand, straw, and lime, combined with water, to construct walls and earthen houses. As materials have improved, the scope of work has diversified. The most common path is to study at a vocational training school and then work at an engineering office. Most are small family-run operations.

The finish of a wall generally depends on the plasterer’s technical skill. Yet today, plasterers of high skill are steadily decreasing. Recently, however, walls finished by plasterers have gained renewed acceptance, since they contain no harmful substances and can maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity, being regarded as natural and healthy.

Stonemason

From quarrying and cutting to finishing, stonemasons engage in the full process of working with stone. They also make gravestones, lanterns, and stone materials for civil engineering and construction projects. Typically, after studying at a technical school, one works at a stone shop.

Although not strictly hereditary, most stone shops are family businesses, and many become stonemasons by inheriting the trade. Nowadays, computers are used on site, and most tasks are mechanized, so stonemasons capable of producing handcrafted styles using traditional techniques are decreasing. However, there remain many areas where the skill and experience of stonemasons are indispensable—for example, delicate work using chisels and hammers, and reading stone grain.

Painter (Coating Worker)

Painting work has many categories: architectural coating, wood coating, metal coating, spray painting, and so on. Originally, the term simply meant applying paint. But today, coating includes high-tech finishes with antibacterial, deodorizing, waterproofing, and other properties. Skilled workers are in high demand.

Typically, one either learns techniques at a technical school before entering a coating company, or learns while working in one. Most coating firms are small, and many skilled workers eventually become independent.

Paperhanger (Mounting Artisan)

Paperhangers use paper, cloth, and paste to create sliding doors, folding screens, scrolls, and hanging scrolls. This work is extremely intricate, requiring delicate materials and thus refined technique and rich experience. Often, highly valuable artworks are involved, making knowledge of art essential.

Traditionally, apprentices began training at around fifteen or sixteen, spending about seven years before becoming independent. Many others, after graduating high school or university, enter mounting workshops. Most shops engaged in cultural heritage restoration are located in Tokyo and Kyoto. Demand is not very large, but the outstanding functionality and design of sliding doors and screens are once again drawing attention.

Mounting has a very long history, and the awareness of preserving tradition remains an essential factor.

② Assembling and Disassembling Machines, Plastic Models, and Toys

How exactly does that machine operate? Even if you keep thinking about this question, it is still far from enough. If you disassemble a clock and carefully observe it, you will find that even the tiniest component has a beautiful shape. Picking up a plastic model or toy, if you paint even the invisible parts with bright colors, you will feel a satisfaction that is incomparable.

Independent Watchmaker

An independent watchmaker does not belong to any one company but possesses advanced skills, able to both create and repair watches without the use of quartz mechanisms. The working styles of independent watchmakers vary: some form teams to build watches, while others handcraft even the tiniest parts themselves.

In Japan, most watchmakers work for watch manufacturers. This means that if one wishes to establish oneself as an independent watchmaker, it requires long years of training and experience. Although there are schools in Japan where one can receive specialized education, those who aspire to become top-tier independent watchmakers are often advised to study in Switzerland, where the global standards of the industry are set.

The timepieces created by today’s active watchmakers are not only tools for telling time but can be considered works of art, commanding high prices. The pursuit of each watchmaker differs: some value simplicity and reliability, believing that a repairable and unadorned watch is best, while others strive to create unique works of art that reflect their personal style. In all cases, watchmakers carry deep affection for watches and maintain their own philosophy about time and craftsmanship.

Locksmith

A locksmith goes to customers who have lost keys to their cars, safes, or homes, opening locks or creating new keys. The primary sources of income are service charges and technical fees. Considering customer needs, 24-hour service is not unusual.

In recent years, with the rise in theft cases, the demand for replacing cylinder locks and installing auxiliary locks has increased. To become a skilled locksmith, one can work at a lock shop or attend training institutes to acquire the necessary techniques. This profession suits people with dexterous fingers.

Although there is no official national license, there are private certification exams, such as the Locksmith Skills Test conducted by the Japan Locksmith Association. The terms “locksmith” and “lock opener” are both registered trademarks of the Association, but even without this certificate one can still open a shop. For example, one can attend a seven-day basic training course run by the Association, then gain experience in the field. It is said that after about six months to a year, one can become an independent locksmith.

Most locksmiths eventually establish their own shops, often working alone or with a spouse. When opening a business, although no police permit is required, it is customary to notify the local police. This is because the police sometimes require cooperation in unlocking operations, and notifying them avoids misunderstandings.

Metal Engraver (Chōkin-shi)

A metal engraver is an artisan—or artist—who uses metal to create jewelry, small objects, or decorative architectural fittings. Recently, silver works have become particularly popular, though traditional Japanese crafts also include chiseling patterns into metal using special tools.

Art schools and fine arts universities in Japan offer programs in metal engraving, where one can study history, techniques, design, and even marketing. In addition to schools, one can learn at cultural centers, engraving workshops, or through self-study.

Once basic skills are acquired, aspiring engravers may take entrance exams for engraving studios, work as an assistant to a master, or eventually establish their own studio. Some also work in jewelry shops or art museums. To become independent, gaining broad recognition is crucial—for example, by participating in competitions and winning awards.

Engineer

Engineers are technical professionals who design and create products. Taking the example of automobile engineers: they design engines by combining different materials and assembling components, using the principle of fuel combustion. Through repeated experiments and adjustments, the engine becomes a reliable power source.

However, if cars were merely “machines that run on engines,” Japan’s automobile industry would not have reached its current level. To ensure low costs, safety, and comfort, engineers developed a wide variety of technologies, continually refining and improving them.

In recent years, environmental considerations have driven engineers to pursue alternatives to gasoline engines. Now, engineers are developing power systems that use electricity and hydrogen. From the 1960s through the 1980s, engineers propelled Japan’s rise as an economic powerhouse. In all fields—mechanical, chemical, and metallurgical—engineers created new technologies and products, establishing systems of mass production and supply.

Today, however, the environment surrounding engineers has changed dramatically. The era of simple mass production has ended. Now engineers are required to quickly grasp market and customer needs, reflect them in products, and collaborate across companies and borders. IT-related skills have become essential.

Generally, engineers study their areas of interest in science or engineering universities, then work for technical companies or research institutions. In high-tech industries, talent from other fields is sometimes sought. After accumulating experience, many obtain national engineering licenses and work as independent consultants.

Punch Press Worker

Punch press workers operate machines that process sheet metal. Large-scale operations include manufacturing car doors and roofs; smaller operations include producing camera parts. This occupation supports many industries, such as automobiles and telecommunications.

Company sizes vary, and so does income, but most punch press workers are employed in small factories with fewer than 30 people. Because hand and finger injuries (sometimes resulting in amputation) occur, this work is best suited for those who are careful and diligent.

The work can become monotonous, so maintaining one’s own goals and sense of purpose is important. Punch press workers can advance by obtaining national qualifications such as Punch Press Supervisor, responsible for managing machines and ensuring safety. To qualify, one needs five years of practical experience. After an 18-hour training course and an exam (which has an almost 100% pass rate), the certification can be obtained. Most holders are in their forties and fifties, but obtaining it at a younger age is advantageous.

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers process thin metal sheets. They include auto body workers, industrial sheet metal workers, and those who build or repair roofs, exterior walls, and rain gutters.

No special qualifications are required to become a sheet metal worker. Traditionally, one entered the field as an apprentice after graduation, learning techniques on the job. Today, many in construction sheet metal enjoy using various tools and shears freely to create the products they envision.

Although basic skills can sustain a lifetime career, those wishing to run their own shops should also study business and management. Relevant certifications include Level 1 and Level 2 Sheet Metal Skills Tests.

Electrical Engineer (Denki Kōji-shi)

In Japan, “electrical engineer” is not a profession itself but a national qualification. Other qualifications include Electrical Works Supervisor, Certified Electrical Worker, and Chief Electrical Technician, but “electrical engineer” is the most widely known.

Their work includes electrical wiring in high-rise buildings, apartments, and houses, installing substations, and setting up air-conditioning systems. The license is essential for performing such work. Electrical engineers mainly work at power companies, electrical contractors, or in factory equipment divisions.

There are two levels of certification: Type I and Type II. Large-scale electrical projects require Type I. To obtain the certificate, candidates must pass written and practical exams, then accumulate three to five years of practical experience (three years for university or technical school graduates in electrical engineering, five years otherwise).

Although wages are not particularly high, the demand for electrical work is constant, making the qualification highly popular even during economic recessions. In recent years, with digital broadcasting, satellite TV, and AV equipment installation, demand has expanded further. Even small-town electricians are increasingly obtaining the qualification.

Antique Clock Repairer / Watch Repairer

This work ranges from replacing watch straps and batteries to full dismantling and repair of clocks. In recent years, with rising environmental awareness, quartz watches requiring disposable batteries have declined, replaced by solar-powered and radio-controlled watches. As a result, repairers now also need knowledge of electronics.

No license is required to become a repairer. Skills vary by individual, but the “Watch Repair Skills Certification,” conducted by the Vocational Ability Development Association, serves as proof of competence.

One can self-study, or attend vocational schools to learn specialized knowledge (watch mechanics, repair methods, materials) and practical skills (repairing, estimating work hours), before taking the certification exam. Although few, some specialists repair only antique and luxury watches. Most shops are small-scale, though sometimes they hire assistants or apprentices.

Many repairers say that when an ancient, long-silent clock begins to tick again, resuming its function of marking time, they feel an indescribable joy—as if bringing an object back to life.Got it — thanks for pasting the next section! I’ll continue with a faithful, word-for-word style English translation, formal tone, with just a touch of modernization for clarity. I’ll also keep all headings.

3. Using Personal Computers (PCs)

Those who love to touch computers often feel that merely using them in class is not enough. Only when input is accurate will the computer respond properly. If the user makes a mistake, no matter how much one tries, the computer will not react. This challenge itself is what makes it so enjoyable.

④ Cooking and Confectionery

Simply engaging in the process of making meals or pastries naturally brings joy. If one prepares a lunchbox for a loved one and receives their praise, the happiness is doubled. For these people, eating is not just about absorbing nutrients—it is about the magical power of food to create happiness.

Head Chef

The head chef is the leader of the kitchen. To become one, most people begin in their teens, helping in restaurant kitchens and gradually growing in skill. Some graduate from culinary schools and enter restaurants through school connections. However, it is always best to confirm whether the restaurant one desires to work at is actually hiring.

In the beginning, apprentices earn very little, but if they advance to owning their own establishment, the income from the restaurant’s turnover can be substantial. Beyond fine cooking skills, a head chef must make subtle adjustments to flavors based on the weather and the preferences of guests. A restaurant with delicious food and a warm, elegant atmosphere will naturally be full of customers. With proper planning and diligent study, it is even possible for young chefs to become head chefs. More and more women are also pursuing this career.

For those aiming to work abroad, a basic knowledge of cooking and some prior experience is indispensable; without it, it is nearly impossible to be hired.

Japanese Cuisine Chef

Japanese cuisine places heavy emphasis on seasonality, carrying with it a unique aesthetic sensibility. It strives to bring out the inherent flavors of ingredients, prioritizes freshness, and shows great care in the choice of tableware. This is why Japanese food is often referred to as “a feast for the eyes.”

To realize all of this requires top-class chefs. There are many categories of Japanese cuisine—honzen (banquet) cuisine, kaiseki cuisine, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, regional specialties, and family cooking—and each requires different techniques. Even mastering knife skills alone takes endless practice, and much of its subtlety is learned through experience rather than words.

Although a culinary license is required, those who train at culinary schools may obtain the license without examination. With at least two years of work experience, passing the test will immediately qualify one for certification. Typically, students graduate from culinary school and are placed in restaurants.

They begin with basic chores and gradually progress. To make a name in a particular branch of Japanese cuisine usually takes over ten years. The daily work is tough: early-morning preparation, an entire day of cooking, late-night cleaning. Yet the future of Japanese cuisine is promising, and first-rate chefs often appear in magazines or on television.

Soba Noodle Master

Buckwheat is ground into flour, mixed with water and wheat flour, rolled out with a pin, and then cut with a knife. Though it appears to be mere manual labor, the proportions of flours, the climate, and the dryness of the powder all require experienced judgment.

In long-established soba shops, apprentices are not even allowed to handle the flour for the first five years. Another five years of effort are required to truly stand independently as a soba master. Besides soba, one must also learn soup preparation, tempura techniques, and more.

Recently, some shops have shifted to machine-made noodles or pre-bought raw noodles that are simply boiled in broth. Still, true soba-making skills remain essential. Apprentices typically open their own shops after training. Today, there are also schools and classes taught by retired soba masters or newly independent cooks, which are especially popular.

Taste is crucial, but so too are details such as demonstrating skill in front of customers and creating an atmosphere where even women dining alone feel welcome—these depend on the creativity and dedication of the soba master.

Sushi Chef

It is said that 40% of a sushi chef’s work at the counter is conversation with customers. Thus, those who are not good at social interaction cannot succeed. Besides mastering the art of making sushi, they must procure ingredients, manage the shop, and possess comprehensive abilities.

Regular patrons tend to value the chef more than the shop itself, so earning the owner’s trust and eventually becoming independent is ideal. Many young people dislike working under younger bosses, preferring instead to seek higher pay in conveyor-belt sushi chains where service skills are unnecessary.

Depending on location and ability, it takes at least ten years to stand independently in the sushi world. The training is rigorous, but the entertainment aspect of this profession makes it unique. It is well suited to those with strong curiosity. Although tradition is emphasized, today’s sushi world is also open to new ingredients and foreign culinary ideas.

Baker

The life of a baker is extremely tough: work begins very early in the morning and is physically demanding. Without a genuine love for bread, it is hard to endure. Different breads require different ingredients and methods. Bakers must understand these, but also observe market trends and innovate, creating unique breads that define their brand.

Training usually takes place in bakeries or specialized schools for one to two years. Those with stamina may work at bakeries by day and attend night school by evening. Choosing the right place to apprentice is crucial. Large bakeries provide good environments but tend to assign workers only to one narrow process. To fully learn the craft in order to open one’s own bakery, it is better to train in a small or medium-sized shop.

⑤ Appreciating or Creating Beautiful Clothing and Accessories

Coco Chanel was an icon of fashion and a symbol of women entering society. Clothing is not merely for keeping warm; it also reflects the wearer’s values. Sometimes, one can even glimpse a person’s economic status through their dress.

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers primarily create clothing. Their work is divided into men’s wear, women’s wear, children’s wear, denim, sportswear, lingerie, and so forth. Designers can be either company employees or haute couture designers.

For the four annual fashion collections, designers must prepare well in advance—sometimes even a year ahead. They collaborate closely with merchandisers and pattern makers. Therefore, fashion designers must have an aesthetic vision to lead trends, strong analytical and forecasting skills, and, because of teamwork, excellent communication abilities. Creativity and expressiveness are of course essential.

Most designers study fashion at universities or specialized schools before entering apparel companies. Some study abroad; others use the internet to sell their own designs, with some even launching their own brands. Competition is fierce—only a small number are actually hired. Ambitious students often prepare early by entering design contests, which can become their “gateway to recognition.”

Jewelry Designer

Jewelry designers focus on creating rings, bracelets, earrings, and other ornaments. Most begin with study at a jewelry design school, even if they already hold a degree from an art university. They then work at jewelry workshops to learn how to design for different contexts such as department stores, retail chains, or hotels, thereby honing their technical and aesthetic sense.

After gaining experience, some become freelancers, contracting with retailers and creating custom-made pieces. In such cases, income includes design fees and additional processing charges that can be three times higher. If clients are satisfied, the outcome is rewarding, but because final products cannot always fully match a sketch, there is also risk of returns. This profession demands extreme delicacy and precision—careless individuals are unsuited.

Since jewelry is a luxury product, its market is tied closely to economic conditions. In recessions, hiring at jewelry companies drops significantly. Many people study at Italian or other European schools, though the aesthetic differences between Europeans and Japanese—body type, skin tone, and fashion preferences—mean foreign methods do not always transfer well domestically.

Fashion Model

Models mainly appear in fashion shows, but also in magazines, advertisements, and promotional campaigns. They represent the image of brands and publications. To work as a model, one must register with an agency. Some are “scouted” on the street, while others apply directly.

The primary requirement is height—at least 170 cm (5’7”). New models often attend model schools to learn walking, posing, facial expressions, and gaze. To maintain the required physique, models must exercise strict self-discipline and dietary control. Stamina and endurance are equally necessary.

Models are usually paid per assignment, with income depending heavily on reputation and ranking. Those who succeed may become top models or transition into acting.

Shoe Designer

Like clothing and handbags, footwear also follows seasonal trends. Recently, more attention has been given to foot health: bunions, flat feet, and knee issues caused by improper footwear. As a result, shoes that are comfortable, ergonomic, and supportive are increasingly favored over purely decorative designs.

Future shoe designers thus need knowledge of foot anatomy, biomechanics, and orthopedics, in addition to design skills. Typically, they graduate from design schools and then join footwear companies as in-house designers. Some later become independent freelance designers. Fashion brands now actively develop their own footwear lines, creating many opportunities in the field.

Bag Designer

Bag designers create products that combine function and beauty for apparel companies and wholesalers. Some work independently, even establishing their own labels. Most, however, are contracted to design based on production schedules, with fees tied to quantities manufactured.

A bag designer’s work reflects both the brand image and their personal sense of aesthetics. If well received by consumers, their creations can become bestsellers. Technical knowledge of materials and craftsmanship can be studied at specialized schools, but experience and skill are refined over time through practice and production constraints.

Hat Designer

Hat designers choose fabrics, colors, and shapes, and sometimes even craft hats by hand. They may work in hat companies, boutiques, workshops, or comprehensive fashion houses. Some freelancers also contract with firms to provide designs.

To become a hat designer, one must master millinery techniques, ideally through vocational schools or millinery workshops. In addition, knowledge of fashion history and related clothing fields is useful. A sharp sense of style and aesthetic sensibility are essential. With hat fashion enjoying a revival, talented designers are increasingly in demand.

Textile Designer

Textile designers work with fabric—its weaving, dyeing, colors, and patterns. They process a variety of materials such as wool, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. Fabrics have wide applications, from clothing to scarves, hats, curtains, and carpets.

The work involves researching production sources, selecting raw materials, making samples, and revising them repeatedly until a final textile design is achieved. Sometimes, multiple designers collaborate on a single fabric.

There are many specialties, such as yarn selection, print design, and fabric patterning. Specialized study in textile knowledge, dyeing, and design is essential, usually at fashion schools. Afterward, most work at clothing manufacturers or textile companies. Though less glamorous, this career is deeply meaningful as it directly connects to innovation in materials.