OkutanigumiWe visited the reference museum at the headquarters of Okutanigumi, a company specializing in shrine and temple construction, located in Kisshoin, Kyoto. Guided by the president, Ms. Mayumi Senda, we toured part of the workshop and viewed fascinating exhibits, including tools used by miyadaiku (traditional temple carpenters), building materials, and structural models that illustrate their craft. We also heard many interesting stories about the techniques and timber used in shrine and temple construction—knowledge that even many Japanese people are unfamiliar with. Finally, under the guidance of a carpenter, we experienced planing wood with a kanna (Japanese hand plane) and made our own chopsticks. A total of 19 people participated: 11 guests and 8 members.