The "Toryo"

'Toryo' is the Japanese word for head carpenter.
The word is derived from the two characters that individually represent the two main parts of the roof, the most important element in traditional Japanese house construction. The first character represents the ridge of the roof, and the second character represents the beams. Although individually they have different readings, when combined they are pronounced 'toryo.' So the word for the uppermost and most crucial part of a traditional Japanese building also came to be used for the 'head' of the group of carpenters that created these buildings. Since ancient times, the 'toryo' has been responsible for all aspects of a building's construction, from the design and the selection of materials, to supervising and directing the entire process from beginning to end.


		Traditional Japanese carpentry is based on the 'merit system' Ability gives the 'toryo' an aura of dignity that enables him to lead, direct and command those under him. That ability-and the leadership that results-comes from a lifetime of strict training. The 'toryo' is more than just a highly skilled carpenter. He is also a leader with responsibility for the entire construction process. He has the organizational ability to schedule operations with careful attention to time until the job is complete. He has the ability to visualize a completed house from a paper plan. No matter what problems arise, he can resolve them. He must by dynamic enough to inspire confidence, and patient enough to pay attention to artistic details. He must be able to make quick decisions, and to negotiate. Above all, he must be trustworthy and inspire confidence.


	"You want a Japanese home? Leave it to me. I am a 'toryo.' In traditional Japanese architecture, the 'toryo' has total control over the building of a structure. 'Toryos' like me have built many magnificent shrines and temples in Kyoto and other ancient cities." "These days you have sales departments telling you to cut costs and saying what you can and can't do. Not me. In my day, the 'toryo' was in charge... and we did things right." "Whether it's in the U. S. or Europe or anywhere else in the world, just leave everything to me, and I'll build you a beautiful Japanese home." "Let me show you what a Japanese master craftsman can do!"


	A fully qualified 'toryo' from Japan will come to your home. His name is Tadao Fuji. He will bring with him all the materials, tools, and assistants need to build your room. He is a modern 'toryo' with a thorough knowledge of wood who has repaired numerous shrines, temples and traditional private homes, and has constructed many traditional structures in Japan. He has explored the full potential of wooden structures. At age 16 he was apprenticed to a carpentry foreman, and at age 21 came to Osaka and trained daily until, in 1988, he became an independent 'toryo.' Currently he oversees projects involving traditional Japanese buildings in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and other cities of the Kansai region. Since entering the world of carpentry 43 years ago, he has continued to diligently refine his craft. 'Toryo' Tadao Fujita has the skills needed to transform your private room into a world of traditional Japan. 'Toryo' Tadao Fuji (age 59; born in Okayama, Japan)



In this regular feature, we will be introducing some of tools used by a 'toryo'. We will also be introducing some of his assistant carpenters. Today, we will examine the nomi, or chisel. Traditional Japanese architecture employs wood and paper as the basic construction materials. The chisel is an indispensable tool that is used to shave the wood, fit pillars together, and assemble various structural members into buildings that are also works of art.
Every carpenter is responsible for his own tools. He oils and sharpens them himself. He can spend a decade or more nurturing his chisels into perfect condition. For this photo shoot, the 'toryo' brought his own beloved chisels. Each one had a gleaming, sharply honed edge that emitted the refined glow of a craftsman's tool. Yet, to the very end, the 'toryo' declined to allow us to handle them. He explained it this way. "These are as important to me as my own arms. They are my children. If you should accidentally drop one and chip the blade, I would have to spend another 20 years nurturing a new one."