Born in the United States, Azby Brown is an architect and accomplished author of Japanese design and architecture who embarked on a transformative journey to Japan. He recalls his story in today’s book, The Genius of Japanese Carpentry: Secrets of an Ancient Craft.
In this episode, I go through his writings about a traditional pagoda construction at Yakushiji Temple in Nara, which took place throughout the 1980s. We learn about the guidance Azby received under master carpenter Tsunekazu Nishioka during that time, as well as the ancient knowledge, wisdom, and way of life that Nishioka practiced. The book also serves as a practical guide for learning the step-by-step process of assembling temple buildings using traditional Japanese methods.
I especially enjoyed the book because it offers a rare and personal window into the life of a community of Japanese carpenters. The book also evoked a sense of somber reflection in me, as it conveyed the gradual disappearance of the invaluable craftsmanship embodied by Nishioka and his team.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Azby Brown’s work, have a look at some of his most popular books below:
The Very Small Home: Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Limited Space
Small Spaces: Stylish Ideas for Making More of Less in the Home
The Japanese Dream House: How Technology and Tradition Are Shaping New Home Design
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Links to Resources:
Get The Genius of Japanese Carpentry by Azby Brown
The Founders Podcast by David Senra
Yakushiji Temple in Nara
Watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi
The Four Auspicious Beasts: 4 Shrines of Kyoto (in Japanese)
Shin-Machiya Juku (Carpentry School)
#44 The Genius of Japanese Carpentry