The Right Tools in the Right Hands

By Chris Douthit, Tenpyozan Volunteer

Many hands, minds, and hearts, including those of skillful craftspeople and artisans, have come together to create the traditional Japanese timber frame that will house Tenpyozan.

Michael O’Hara, carpenter and builder, is one such expert. Mr. O’Hara notes the importance of the project to the head carpenter, Higo-san. As a fellow carpenter, Mr. O’Hara says he “would like to help him realize the completion of his work.”

The passion for traditional Japanese carpentry that Mr. O’Hara first discovered in books led him to leave his home in Hawai’i to work for a Japanese carpenter in California. He then deepened his commitment to the craft by working with a traditional builder in Kyoto, Japan, for ten years. Of his time in Japan he said, “I was really lucky to have gotten this opportunity. Most carpenters, even those born and raised in Japan would not have the chance to work at this high level.” He now brings this wealth of experience and practice to the creation of Tenpyozan.

His family and the intricacies of the craft are his motivators .“I’m really passionate about doing good work; the best work.” This shows through his dedication to interesting projects and the care he takes for his tools. Working with good tools, he said, is addictive.

“I try to use all the tools I have.. I read once that not using a tool is an insult to the person who made it.”

His respect for the tools of the trade and the craft itself imbues the work he does, not only with beauty, but also a sense of the sacred. Mr. O’Hara’s dedication to his craft and to the extended Tenpyozan community is a great asset to this project.