14-Nov-2024
I went out this morning, so in the afternoon, I worked on crafting the Aruki (moving panels) for the 3-sun 12-step Japanese puzzle box (photo). It’s forecasted to rain tonight, so if possible, I’d prefer to attach the Aruki on a clear day. With 3-sun boxes, though, humidity tends to have less effect compared to larger boxes. If the Aruki absorbs moisture when being attached to the main body, its movement can sometimes loosen on drier days. I’ve noticed that humidity has a stronger effect the day after rain stops, rather than on the first day it starts raining.
Rainy days are ideal for attaching and crafting Yosegi, especially for slicing work. However, the Ichimatsu Yosegi I started making recently still needs two to three more days to complete…😅 By the way, the 3-sun box with Ichimatsu Yosegi that I mentioned in yesterday’s entry looks like the one in this photo.
With November now halfway through, my schedule for the remainder of this year is becoming clearer. Today, I confirmed my final project for Japan this year, which will be for Hakone. In Japan, December 31st is viewed as the official end of the year, and a new year starts fresh on January 1st. Because of this, every TV channel features countdown programs on December 31st 😄 On January 1st, people usually go to a shrine to make prayers. These prayers vary, but many people ask for a safe and healthy year ahead.
I usually go between January 4th and 7th, as shrines are very crowded on January 1st (though sometimes, I skip going altogether😆)
As the stores of my customers prepare for the busy Christmas sales season, I’ve scheduled my work this month and next to fulfill all outstanding orders on time. In Japan, we also have Christmas sales, though they may not be as extensive as overseas. Instead, there’s a custom called “Bōnenkai”, which means “year-end gathering,” where people often have a meal with close friends or colleagues to mark the end of the year. This tradition has become less common recently, though it still keeps some people busy. Incidentally, my workshop is a one-person operation, so there’s no Bōnenkai for me!
