North House is pleased to welcome master plane maker Yoshitsune Yamamoto from the Hyogo Prefecture Japan on his first visit to the United States to offer two courses in making traditional Japanese woodworking tools. These tools are known for their high quality and performance, and the wooden-bodied kanna—hand plane—sits at the top of the list. These simple tools are made from a solid piece of dense Japanese white oak and a single blade skillfully laminated from high-carbon steel and wrought iron. This course will focus on a specific type of kanna, the nankin kanna, which resembles a spokeshave and is used for planing small and complex-shaped objects like chair parts or wooden utensils. Yoshitsune will guide students through the process of making a nankin kanna, hand-cutting the wooden body, fitting in the blade, sharpening the blade, and adjusting it for use. This is a rare chance to learn from a professional Japanese craftsman. Instruction in this class will be in Japanese with interpretation provided.

Required Tools

• Sharp, 1” woodworking chisel
• 15 cm ruler
• 30 cm ruler
• Stainless, adjustable arm protractor
• Small square 0.5 or 0.9
• Mechanical pencil

Optional Tools

• 15-16 oz or heavierChisel hammer or mallet
• 1000 grit water stone, King brand or equivalent
• 4000 grit or 6000 grit water stone or equivalent

This course is part of Wood Week 2027. Plan to stay a day longer for the Carvers Conference on Friday, March 12, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Wood Week coursework. Full schedule available online in early 2027.