The Complete Guide to Bamboo Craft: Discover Artisan Skills!

“The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” (Taketori Monogatari), the oldest surviving story in Japanese literature, begins with an elderly man who goes to the mountains to gather bamboo. There, he discovers a single glowing stalk of bamboo. When he cuts it, a beautiful young girl emerges—a magical tale unfolds. This story reflects how bamboo has been a part of Japanese life since ancient times. Bamboo is a resilient and fast-growing plant found in various locations across Japan. It reproduces through new underground rhizomes each year. Known for its rapid growth, bamboo typically reaches the height of the previous year's stalks within just one to two months. Branches then begin to sprout, and its growth concludes by the third month. The record for the fastest daily growth is an impressive 120 cm. Initially, bamboo contains a high amount of moisture and is soft, but over the years, it gradually becomes firmer and loses its moisture. After about three years, it can be used as a material for bamboo products.
Due to its rapid growth, bamboo has gained global attention as a sustainable resource. It is now widely used in applications such as fabric and paper production, as well as biomass energy generation.

There are over 1,200 species of bamboo worldwide, with more than 600 varieties found in Japan. Bamboo mainly thrives in temperate and tropical regions of Asia, and it has long been used in Southeast Asia and China for weaving into containers and crafting everyday tools. Bamboo's unique characteristics include its hollow interior, resistance to decay and lightweight nature. It is also easy to carve and bend, and since its fibers run in a single direction, it can be split finely along those fibers. This allows for the creation of numerous uniform shapes of the same length. For this reason, bamboo has been highly valued as a material for various purposes in Japan since long before advanced processing techniques were developed.

Smooth, strong and highly elastic, bamboo also has the unique characteristic of not warping due to changes in moisture, unlike wood. Because of these qualities, it has been used since prehistoric times. The Shōsōin from the Nara period (AD 710–794), often referred to as the “terminus of the Silk Road,” houses numerous valuable goods from both Japan and abroad. These include musical instruments made with bamboo, boxes, flower baskets and many other relics.
By the Heian period (794–1185), bamboo began to be widely used as a building material. At the same time, its applications expanded to include a variety of tools for daily life, ranging from weapons like arrows and whips to agricultural and fishing implements. From the late Kamakura period (1185–1333) to the Muromachi period (1336–1573), Japan saw the flourishing of tea culture. During this time, bamboo became increasingly valued as an indispensable material for crafting tea utensils. In fact, it is still used in the production of tools for the tea ceremony.
In the early Edo period (1603–1868), craftspeople specializing in bamboo work and ladle-making gained prominence, even serving the Tokugawa shogunate. By the mid-Edo period, Kyoto became a hub for bamboo artisans, particularly in areas around Nijō and Shijō, where many skilled artisans resided. They created various bamboo items, including flower vases made from large bamboo cut into rings and ladles.

The exact origin of the bamboo fence (takegaki) remains unclear, but it first appears in historical texts during the Heian period (794–1185). By the Edo period (1603–1868), bamboo fences were commonly depicted in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), showing that they had become widespread among the general population. In Japan, bamboo fences play a very important role, serving primarily two functions. The first is to "conceal" undesirable sights, such as air conditioning units, pipes, block walls or laundry. The second function is to "enhance" the appearance of the space, providing a sense of hospitality for visitors and acting as an accent to create a refined, high-quality Japanese atmosphere.

The term "kaki" (fence) in Japanese originally referred to something enclosed by earth and stones, and did not inherently imply the use of bamboo. The use of fragile materials like bamboo and branches to construct fences, blending seamlessly into daily life, is considered quite unique and rare when compared to other cultures. This tradition is said to be rooted in Japan's island nation status. In English, the word "kaki /gaki" corresponds to "fence" or "hedge," which often carries connotations of defense or obstacles. In continental nations, where various states and powers have historically coexisted on connected landmasses, "kaki" (fences) played an essential role in protecting territories from invaders. In ancient Europe and China, strong fences made of stone or brick were built to defend against external threats.
On the other hand, as an island nation, Japan occasionally built fences to prepare for external enemies, but these were relatively small in scale. In countries with few trees, people used soil and stone to craft fences. With its civilization deeply rooted in wood and a harmonious relationship with nature, Japan enjoyed an abundance of high-quality bamboo species, such as madake (giant timber bamboo) and hachiku (Henon bamboo). Therefore, it was a natural progression for bamboo to become one of the primary materials used in constructing fences.

Many people may assume that bamboo fences are made entirely of bamboo, but in fact, they are often constructed using a base of aluminum or wood, with decorative bamboo applied on top to finish the structure. As mentioned earlier, it is said that there are over 1,200 species of bamboo worldwide, and more than 600 varieties in Japan. Among these, the three main types of bamboo commonly used for bamboo fences are madake (giant timber bamboo), Moso, and hachiku (Henon bamboo).
Madake (giant timber bamboo) is a species that has been native to Japan for centuries. The shoots of madake are not typically eaten but are instead used for crafting various items. Madake is characterized by its thinness, pleasant greenish hue and ease of splitting.
The bamboo brought from China as a food source is Moso bamboo. It is thick and sturdy, with intricately intertwined fibers that make it tough, resistant to splitting, and hard. However, compared to madake, its color is not as appealing, so it is processed before being used in crafting.
Hachiku is often used in the creation of artisanal items such as tea whisks (chasen) and lantern (chouchin) frames.
Bamboo fences are named based on their specific use, appearance or the area where they are first employed.

Kyoto, one of the major bamboo-producing regions, is very fortunate in terms of its environmental conditions. Surrounded by mountains, the basin experiences significant temperature variations, and the soil is fertile. With its favorable climate and rich cultural heritage, Kyoto has long been known as the "City of Bamboo."
The history of bamboo in Kyoto dates back a long way. It is said that during the Heian period, under Emperor Saga, bamboo brought from China began to be cultivated. Surrounded by nature and refined through craftsmanship, Kyoto continues to produce renowned bamboo of the highest quality, known worldwide. The characteristic of Kyoto's bamboo craft is that it preserves and utilizes the natural qualities of the bamboo itself. This is a testament to the exceptional quality of Kyoto bamboo as a material.

In fact, a historical figure who greatly enriched our modern lives was also captivated by Kyoto's bamboo. That person was Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931), the king of inventors in America. Though he needs no introduction, he is the inventor of the three great inventions: the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and the early motion picture film projector. Among his inventions, the practical development of the incandescent light bulb is closely connected to bamboo from Kyoto.
In 1878, Thomas Edison was working on the practical development of the incandescent light bulb. The light bulb consists of a filament, a glass bulb and a metal cap. When an electric current is passed through the filament, it produces light. Initially, Edison succeeded in lighting a carbon filament bulb by using a filament made from processed cotton thread. However, the lighting duration was still short, so it was necessary to find a filament material that could glow for a long time for everyday use. Edison collected over 6,000 types of plant-based materials from around the world, and he tested thousands of materials, including metals, cotton thread and even whiskers. He faced considerable difficulty in discovering the right material. At that time, Edison accidentally experimented with bamboo that was used for the ribs of a fan, which happened to be in his laboratory. The results were very promising. Edison then decided to send researchers to various parts of the world, including Japan and China, to search for the ideal bamboo for use as a filament.

In 1880, one of the researchers discovered a type of bamboo called "Yawatadake" growing naturally around the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto. The characteristics of Yawatadake bamboo include its durability, excellent flexibility, and resistance to being easily burned. Additionally, its fibers are thick and strong, yet tightly packed. Edison used Yawatadake bamboo as the filament material, which allowed the incandescent light bulb to achieve a continuous lighting time of 1,200 hours. Afterward, Yawatadake bamboo was exported from Japan, and the incandescent light bulbs produced starting around 1881 became a huge hit, brightening lives around the world. Within the grounds of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, a monument dedicated to Edison, surrounded by bamboo, stands as a tribute to this historic connection.

The four types of bamboo produced in Kyoto using traditional Kyoto techniques—Shiratake (white bamboo), Gomadake (sesame bamboo), Zumenkakuchiku (patterned square bamboo) and Kikkochiku (tortoise shell bamboo)—are collectively known as "Kyomeichiku" (Kyoto's renowned bamboo). "Kyomeichiku" is recognized as a "Kyoto Craft Designated Product" by the Kyoto Prefectural Governor and is also one of Kyoto's traditional industries. A common characteristic of these four types is the traditional technique of oil removal. Most bamboo produced outside of Kyoto is boiled, but Kyomeichiku is crafted by individually roasting each bamboo stalk over a flame. The oil that emerges is then wiped away with cotton, and the bamboo is dried in the sun. This process results in bamboo that is lustrous, strong and less prone to cracking. Below, we will introduce the distinctive characteristics of each of the four types of Kyomeichiku.

The remarkable use of Kyoto-produced bamboo extends far beyond bamboo fences. In Japan, bamboo is used in a wide variety of crafts, ranging from small to large items, in addition to bamboo fences. Here, we would like to introduce Nagaoka Meichiku Co., Ltd., a bamboo company in Kyoto that has been in operation for over 70 years.

The company has received numerous requests for the restoration of bamboo fences at historic shrines and temples such as Heian Jingu Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, as well as famous sites in Kyoto like Katsura Imperial Villa, Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the Kyoto State Guest House. They have also received requests to work on the interior and exterior design of commercial facilities and long-established restaurants, as well as bamboo tableware. The representative director and bamboo fence craftsperson, Akihiro Mashimo, believes in the potential of bamboo. In addition to creating bamboo fences, he develops various bamboo crafts tailored to modern life and produces installations.

Upon visiting the workshop, the first thing I encountered was a handmade Japanese garden created by Mashimo himself! He designed it with the intention of allowing visitors to experience the practical applications of bamboo fences up close. You can get a close and detailed view of the skillfully crafted bamboo fences, showcasing Mashimo's craftsmanship.

Inside the workshop, rows of bamboo were neatly lined up. Bamboo pieces, about 4 meters in length, were propped up along an entire wall. Bamboo is selected based on its intended use and then crafted into products. On the day of the visit, they were in the process of creating a sodegaki (a type of fence).

He was using tools to fasten the bamboo branches known as "kuroho." His skilled hands worked swiftly, and the shape quickly began to take form.

Mashimo also hosts workshops at his studio. In Kyoto, bamboo has long been closely tied to daily life, being used to make everyday items such as baskets and chopsticks. He started these workshops with the hope of helping people experience the unique charm of bamboo—its beauty, flexibility and strength—up close. In these workshops, participants can create the bamboo baskets, rings, chopsticks and even bamboo lanterns that have been introduced so far. After crafting, they can take home the finished items and use them in their daily lives. Although there is no dedicated interpreter during the workshops, communication is facilitated using a translation device, and visitors from various places, including Europe, Australia, and the United States, have attended.

The bamboo lanterns offer over 50 different patterns to choose from for the design, and the combinations are completely customizable!

Bamboo has long been an indispensable part of Japanese culture and daily life. However, in modern times, many items have been replaced by plastic products. Why not take this opportunity to connect with bamboo and discover its charm? How about making your own chopsticks in a workshop or bringing rings or bottle stands as souvenirs for your friends? Even when you return to your home country, you’ll surely be impressed by the beauty, durability and practicality of bamboo.