For centuries, the humble wooden tub has been a familiar presence in Japanese life, helping people to wash themselves off before getting into a bath. However, few artisans still make these wooden tubs, as plastic tubs and showers have taken their place in the pre-bath ritual, and plastic and metal tubs have replaced them for larger purposes.
Today, Kumpei Sugimoto is the only person left in the Hokuriku region who still makes wooden tubs, with clients including local sake breweries seeking large tubs made of traditional materials. In addition to his work producing these tubs, he also leads workshops like this, where he teaches guests how to make their own wooden tubs, for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Guests make their own small wooden tubs, roughly 20 cm in diameter and 10 cm tall. Kumpei Sugimoto teaches the process of cutting wood into shape, using specialized tools, and leads guests in cutting the wood, preparing woven bamboo hoops known as “taga,” and assembling a finished tub.