The Only One English Course
of The Traditional "Tsumami zaiku" Methods
"Tsumami zaiku" is the Japanese traditional craftwork used in the Kanzashi of maiko (geisha aspirants).
"Tsumami" means “to pinch”. It is made by pinching and folding cloth with tweezers like an origami paper.
It is the only Japanese traditional craft anyone can enjoy as a hobby.
Welcome to the world of beautiful “Tsumami”!
Spring has come!
Sakura Special
Maiko Kanzashi 7
Sakura Kanzashi
Our Types of Lessons
(Online and Face to Face)
- Selection Guide -
We provide Online and Face-to-Face Lessons in TOKYO.
If you want a Face-to-Face lesson contact us!
We offer free trial lessons online for those who want to try it out first before starting in earnest.
And also offer face-to-face trial lessons for a fee.
Please refer to the online and F2F course pages below.
◆1. Basic/Middle/Advanced Course
For those who wish to systematically learn the traditional techniques of making tsumami zaiku and kanzashi from basic to advanced level and become a certified instructor in the future.
◆2. One-shot Lessons
For those who have already mastered the basic techniques and wish to increase the number of variations.
◆3. Special Lessons
For those who want to learn more advanced techniques.
◆4. Maiko Kanzashi Series
For those who have advanced skills and want to make seasonal maiko kanzashi, which are not easy to learn even in Japan.
1. Basic/Middle/Advanced Course
~No Limit Access Tutorial Videos ~
You can select Online or Face-to-Face course(Basic/Middle/Advanced course only).
The ultimate guide to learn the secret techniques by craftsmen that you will never get from free videos!!
You can learn not only how to fold the cloth, but also how to assemble it into various types of kanzashi
Each course has comprehensive content that would take a week to acquire face-to-face in Japan.
Passing On The Secret Techniques
You can learn the traditional techniques that the craftsmen have verbally handed down to make "Tsumami zaiku" look beautiful with our 83 tutorial videos.
- How to use the tools correctly
- How to handle delicate traditional cloths, chirimen and habutae
- How to fold the petals to make them look beautiful
- Techniques to make it look three-dimensional
- How to assemble and adjust a Kanzashi, etc.
- How to make butterflies, leaves, sagari, etc.
2.Oneshot Lesson
Let's Give It A Shot!
~Tutorial Videos for people who want to make tsumami zaiku for fun!~
Expand your repertoire of flowers and techniques!
One of each month, we introduce a tsumami zaiku that incorporates flowers, butterflies, and Japanese customs. This course is ideal for those who want to expand their repertoire.
3.Special Lesson
Learn more advanced techniques !
This course introduces more complex techniques and new ways of making them to those who have mastered the basics all the way through. Since these techniques are heavily used by craftsmen, you will be able to use them when making actual kanzashi.
4.Maiko Kanzashi
Maiko wears a kanzashi in their hair that represents the flowers of the season for each month of the year.
In this series, we will make one maiko seasonal flower ornament per month. Using craftsmen's techniques, we will make more beautiful and gorgeous kanzashi.
January: New Year ~Plum and Pine~
February: Plum Kanzashi
April: Sakura Kanzashi
May: Iris Kanzashi
June: Hydrangea
June: Willow and Nadeshiko
September: Chinese Bell Flower
1. The Traditional Methods
~Starch Glue Method~
Based on the method of Kinuyo Tomura,
the Master Craftsman who is engaged in it
for more than 60 years.
2. The Only One Online Course In English
(83 video tutorials will support you)
From beginners to experts, course for all level students!
The videos are finely divide,easy to find the point you want. Use it as an online dictionary of tsumami zaiku!
3. Life Time Access
~By Your Own Pace~
Learn and improve your skills with our turtorial videos as long as you like.
4. Materials Included
In The Courses
Materials for each main lesson(Basic,Middle,Advanced course only) will be delivered in a set!
Same materials used by Japanese craftsmen.
Will be shipped by EMS.
*Due to worldwide logistical disruption because of Covid and the war, arrival is significantly delayed or stopped in some countries.
Fabric color in the materials maybe different from tutorial videos due to variation between lots.
5. The Path To Be
A "Certified Teacher"
Students who complete the entire course can take the Certified Teacher Certification Exam online.
6.Review and Follow up
on ZOOM
You'll have to select it as a separate menu item,
the instructor can review your work, or checkpoints you are unclear about, depending on your needs.
This is for those who want to talk with the instructor in real-time!
It will be a good opportunity to ask questions, get feedback on your work, or get tips on how to get better!
Hi, I’m Rei Furuya, Traditional Tsumami zaiku Artist and Professor
Welcome to the delicate and beautiful world of tsumami-zaiku!
I have learned the traditional skills from Ms. Kinuyo Tomura, an Arakawa Ward-designated intangible cultural property holder. I have been teaching more than 1200 students as a certified teacher in Japan to introduce the delicate beauty of tsumami zaiku. I am also an artist, making traditional tsumami kanzashi as well as tsumami zaiku accessories that can be used in daily life. Let's have fun together!
Welcome! I'm Tomomi Yamashita,
ITA Representative Director
I am a certified instructor in Japan and have hosted workshops for some 500 visitors from over 30 countries around the world to pass on the traditions. I also launched a portal site of tsumami zaiku to share all the information on tsumami zaiku for people to enjoy. And now, I am so excited to share “how to” and tips to make tsumami zaiku by online. Come and join us to make beautiful tsumami!
To ensure that emails from our school are delivered correctly,
Please check the below button on the sign-up screen.
" I agree to receive instructional and promotional e-mails(optional)”
1. I want to try it! But it seems difficult....
Don't worry! Even if you are a complete beginner, the curriculum is designed to help you get started right away. If you have any questions, you can always ask the instructor.
2. Isn't the price too high?
If you can speak Japanese, you can of course take lessons in Japan from a craftsman. But he/she is not an instructor and will not teach you every single step. They just briefly explain the points and let you do the rest by yourself. (This is the craftsman`s way of teaching) For 6 days, you will need a budget of about $1000. So the price of thes course are reasonable because it includes videos, textbooks, and lesson kits.
3. What are the advantages of learning by video?
Aren't face-to-face lessons better?
Face-to-face lessons are certainly fun! But if you miss the moment, it's impossible to remember it after the lesson. On the other hand, with video, you can watch the instructor's hand over and over again. The videos are designed for reviewing, so you can use them like a dictionary. You can also learn at your own pace. If you get anxious, you can ask questions to the instructor and get a review!
4. what is the traditional technique?
It is a Japanese craftsman's technique using starch glue that has been used for 200 years. You will be able to make even delicate fabrics quickly and beautifully. Our courses are designed so that anyone can learn the secret techniques in an easy-to-understand manner, satisfying both beginners and experienced students.
5. What to do if I don't have a starch glue?
Those of you who don‘t have the starch glue can make it!
Check out the below video and you will know how to make it easy.
How to make the starch glue for tsumami zaiku
To ensure that emails from our school are delivered correctly,
Please check the below button on the sign-up screen.
" I agree to receive instructional and promotional e-mails(optional)”
Our Workshop Studio at Asakusabashi
Asakusabashi is famous as a handicraft town. You will find many shops with crafting components, fabrics, etc.
Location: Aoi-kai Studio 葵会(Tsumami zaiku Workshop Place).
See map at the bottom of this page.
Address:
1-33-3 Asakusabashi,Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053 JAPAN
3 min. walk from JR Asakusabashi Station (The next station after Akihabara, JR Sobu-Line)
2F of the building. *Chinese Restaurant in 1F
