Manga(Comic) Course

Kintsugi Course

Learn Japanese and Kintsugi at the same time

This course is a special program that allows students to learn Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese technique of repairing ceramics, while studying Japanese in a multicultural environment at Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture.

Japanese Lessons

The Kudan Japanese Institute provides Japanese lessons at our school in the morning from Monday to Friday. You can learn Japanese in a multinational environment with our conversation course that focuses on speaking and listening, with a curriculum that accommodates various levels from beginner to advanced.

What is Kintsugi:

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing broken or chipped ceramics. Using lacquer to bond the pieces together, the repaired areas are then adorned with gold or silver powder, creating beautiful patterns. This technique not only restores the item but also embraces its flaws and imperfections, transforming them into unique aspects of beauty.
The philosophy behind kintsugi is to accept and acknowledge the object's history and to honor its story, rather than hiding its flaws. This perspective aligns with the Japanese aesthetic concept of "wabi-sabi," which finds beauty in imperfection and transience.
Kintsugi breathes new life and charm into repaired ceramics, enhancing their value. It allows broken items to be used again and deepens the memories and attachments associated with them.

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Schedule:

Course Date Duration Japanese Level
Kintsugi Course April 7~May 2
July 7~August 1
October 6~October 31
1 month Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Japanese lessons:
Monday – Friday 9:10-12:40
Kintsugi Course:
1. April 11 (Friday): 15:30 - 17:00
2. April 18 (Friday): 15:30 - 17:00
3. April 25 (Friday): 15:30 - 17:00
※The items will be taken home on May 2 (Friday), so a minimum of four weeks of Japanese language classes is required.
Minimum
2 people
Course Tuition & Fees
Course Duration Tuition & Fees
Kintsugi Course 1 month 200,000円 + 4,000 yen bank fee for bank transfers from outside Japan
Tuition & Fees Include

Registration Fee, Course Tuition, Textbook Fee
(Japanese + Kintsugi Lesson Tuition, Study Material Fee, Facility Use Fee)
(Kintsugi complete set + One pottery for Kintsugi)

Transportation: Between Jimbocho and Mitsukoshi-mae Station (approximately 5 minutes by train, around 25 minutes from the school to the shop) - One-way fare: ¥180

Course Notes:

  • The course will be held with a minimum of 2 participants. (If there are not at least 2 participants, the course will not be held.)
  • If the course cannot be held after payment, the full amount will be refunded.
  • If you cancel after payment and the course can still be held, refunds for the Japanese language class will follow our refund policy, but there will be no refunds for the Kintsugi course.

Accommodation Fee

Course Duration Homestay Fee Included in the Fee
Kintsugi Course One month
Four weeks (28 days)
102,400yen Homestay arrangement fee,
Weekdays: Breakfast and dinner
Weekends and National Holidays: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guest House 75,000 yen (single room) / One month

What is a Hybrid Kintsugi Lesson?

This Kintsugi course is called Hybrid Kintsugi. It utilizes adhesive to shorten the work time. The final touch involves using lacquer and genuine gold, allowing participants to experience "authentic Kintsugi" in fewer sessions. As there is no need to mix lacquer with flour or polishing powder, the process is simplified. The repaired items can also be used for food and drink. (In typical one-day Kintsugi experiences, adhesive and substitute lacquer are used to complete the work in 90 minutes. As a result, the finished products cannot be used for food and drink.)

  • Please prepare one item (we will work on two items simultaneously). One item means cracked or chipped dishes/bowls/cups. One item is included in the set. Please prepare another one yourself.
※For items brought in:
The ceramic item should be within 30 cm and portable.
Please limit items to one or two cracks, as fragmented items may require more time.
*If you are bringing your own item, please also bring a box to carry it back home.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
Yes, an original certificate from the Japanese school will be issued if your attendance rate is 80% or higher. You will also receive an original certificate upon completing all the steps of the Kintsugi course.
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  • The hybrid kintsugi complete set (is specially created by Nihonbashi Mutoh)
  • You will receive a specially designed hybrid kintsugi complete set that allows you to create Kintsugi items that are safe to use for eating and drinking in a short period. This kit also enables you to continue performing Kintsugi on your own after returning to your country.
  • ※The kit includes lacquer that can be used multiple times even after you return to your home country.

Nihonbashi Mutoh Main Store (Mutoh Corporation)

The company, with over a hundred years of history, is based in Nihonbashi and engages in the wholesale distribution of lacquerware, glassware, and Japanese ceramics. Recently, they have been conducting various hands-on workshops, such as Kintsugi and Maki-e, introducing traditional Japanese crafts and culture to both Japanese people and overseas tourists.
In particular, the Kintsugi workshops are popular, where participants learn the technique of repairing broken items with their own hands, transforming them into beautiful works of art.

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Q&A

I cannot speak Japanese at all. Is that okay?
While it is preferable to understand Japanese, beginners are also welcome. The Kintsugi course is conducted mainly in Japanese, but English materials are available. Additionally, as the course focuses on practical, visual learning, not understanding Japanese is not a problem.
Can I join the course midway?
The Kintsugi course is structured to be completed in three sessions. Since it is a very short course, joining midway is not possible.
Can I participate only in the Kintsugi classes?
The Kintsugi course must be taken together with the Japanese language classes.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 15 years old.
Can I bring my own broken ceramics from my country for Kintsugi?
Yes, as long as the ceramic item is portable and within 30 cm. Please limit items to one or two cracks, as fragmented items may require more time. If you are bringing your own item, please also bring a box to carry it back home. In cases of large cracks that cannot be completed in three sessions, an additional fourth session might be required at a cost of ¥6,600. To ensure the item can be taken home by May 2 (Friday), a minimum of four weeks of Japanese language classes is required.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
Yes, an original certificate from the Japanese school will be issued if your attendance rate is 80% or higher. You will also receive an original certificate upon completing all the steps of the Kintsugi course.

Kintsugi Course Curriculum

This curriculum is designed to be accessible even for beginners, allowing participants to learn the basic processes of Kintsugi while achieving beautiful results.

※The following schedule may vary depending on the condition of the cracks or chips and individual progress.

1.Preparation for Repairing Cracked or Chipped Dishes/Bowls/Cups

研ぎ出し作業
Preparation for Repairing Cracked or Chipped Dishes/Bowls/Cups
Clean the surface of the dish and identify the cracked or chipped areas.
研ぎ出し作業
Adhesion Process
Fill the chipped areas with putty (suitable for use on dishes). This process helps to restore the shape of the dish.
研ぎ出し作業
Filling chips with Putty
Fill the chipped areas with putty (suitable for use on dishes). This process helps to restore the shape of the dish.

2.Sanding, painting with black lacquer.

研ぎ出し作業
Sanding
Smooth out the previously filled areas with putty using a carving knife or file, ensuring a flat and even surface.
黒漆塗
Applying Black Lacquer
Apply black lacquer as a base layer. This layer will serve as the foundation for later decoration and finishing. After application, harden it again in a lacquer drying chamber.

3.Sanding, painting with red lacquer, powdering, finish!

研ぎ出し作業2
Applying Red Lacquer
Apply a thin layer of red lacquer, taking care to ensure that the gold or silver powder doesn't sink into it.
研ぎ出し作業2
Powder Application (Sprinkling Process)
Before the red lacquer dries, sprinkle gold or silver powder to complete the decoration. Afterwards, allow it to harden in an environment with controlled humidity and temperature for the final finish.

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