Woodturning as a Living Craft

Woodturning is one of the oldest crafts in the world, but in many Western countries it survives mainly as the preserve of hobbyists. However, in Japan woodturning continues as a vibrant trade and almost every home contains many turned wooden objects. In fact there are whole regions and towns where the economy depends on woodturning.

It is not hard to find turned work in Japan, but you have to know that the term ‘woodturning’ is not familiar to most Japanese. If you go into a department store and ask to see woodturning, you will be met with a blank stare. But if).