Kanna /Surfacing

Finishing with a Japanese Plane, Axe, Adze, Spear Plane

Black and white photo of chopped wood on the ground with a hand axe and sledgehammer placed on top of a wooden plank.
A group of people in a woodworking workshop, some using smartphones and others observing a man demonstrating a tool or technique on a piece of wood. The workshop has shelves filled with tools, wood, and equipment.
Close-up black and white photograph of a knife edge on a wooden surface with other cutlery and objects in the blurred background.
Three men working in a woodworking shop, with one cutting a piece of wood and the others smiling and observing, surrounded by tools and woodworking materials.
Two men working in a woodworking shop, one sanding a large wooden board and the other observing. The shop has shelves filled with tools, boxes, and materials, with wood shavings on the floor.
Black and white photo of a hand saw cutting through a piece of wood with handwritten notes and symbols.
A person working on a wood project inside a garage or workshop, wearing a yellow shirt and a headscarf, surrounded by wood and construction tools.
A traditional axe with Japanese characters engraved on the blade, resting on a wooden surface.
Two men working with wood in a lumber yard. One man is bending over, hammering a piece of wood, while the other stands nearby with hands on hips. There are stacks of lumber in the background.

An immersive week dedicated to the Japanese hand plane (kanna) and the pursuit of finely finished wood surfaces.

Throughout the course, students will focus on the tuning, setup, and use of the kanna, learning how subtle adjustments in blade preparation, dai conditioning, and technique affect both cutting performance and surface quality. Emphasis is placed not only on producing clean surfaces, but on developing sensitivity, consistency, and control through repeated hands-on practice.

Alongside the kanna training, students will also take part in a small-scale Hatsuroukai — a traditional Japanese hewing gathering. Throughout the week, participants will have opportunities to step away from the bench and experience a variety of edge tools used in timber surfacing and shaping, including:

  • Masakari (hewing axe)

  • Chouna (adze)

  • Yariganna (Japanese spear plane)

The course is designed as both an intensive study and a chance to enjoy the physical rhythm and satisfaction of traditional hand tool woodworking in a relaxed and collaborative environment.

Register

Class details:

Class Schedule:

  • Class size: 8 students

  • Lessons: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Our workshop space can be used daily for self-practice from 9am till late

  • Teachers available until 5pm

  • Course will be conducted in English

Additional Info:

  • Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is provided.

  • You will need to prepare the following tools to attend the class. We can help you purchase on your behalf if you do not have them:

    1. Plane

    2. Sharpening Stones

    3. A narrow chisel (9mm or less)

    4. Optional: Axe (Masakari), Adze (Chouna), and Yariganna (Spear Plane)

School Fees:

  • ¥380,000 (Includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Does not include required tools.)

  • Spots are only confirmed upon full payment and on a first come first serve basis.

  • Upon confirmation, we will send you an email with more information so that you can plan your trip.

  • Cancellation Policy:

    1. More than 90 days before start date:

      1. Cancel: 100% refund.

      2. Changing of course/course date allowed.

    2. Less than 90 days before start date:

      1. Cancel: 50% refund.

      2. No changing of course/course date.

    3. Less than 45 days before start date:

      1. No refund.

      2. No changing of course/course date.

    4. Any transfer fees for refunds will be deducted from the total refund amount.

    5. Refunds will be issued in Yen.

    6. Travel insurance is mandatory

Register

Surfacing - Kanna Intensive

  • Do take note that many of these tools come in limited stock.

  • For all tools necessary for this class, the total will be around ¥86,240

  • This cost is inclusive of a handling fee and 10% tax.

  • Prices and brands will vary in relation to what is available.

Plane 54mm (Kanna)

1) Plane 54mm (Kanna)
¥35,200

1) Dai Surfacing Plate
¥11,943

Straight Edge

2) Straight Edge with Notch
¥16,940

Dai Naoshi Kanna

3) Dai Naoshi Kanna
¥22,157