In Japan, Repairing Buildings Without a Single Nail

In the past, making and developing metal was too costly for carpenters in Japan. So instead of using nails, carpenters called “miyadaiku” developed unique methods for interlocking pieces of wood together, similar to a giant 3D puzzle. Takahiro Matsumoto has been a miyadaiku carpenter for over 40 years. He runs his company in Kamakura, Japan, where he assesses and repairs damage sustained by the many ancient temples in his city. Using ancient techniques, he ensures that these spiritual structures stay standing for generations to come.

This Great Big Story was inspired by Genesis.

#Puzzle #Carpentry #Genesis

Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com

[greenhero]

Bro I swear Japanese people have the biggest passions for anything. They do their work for decades and never get tired of them. I aspire their hardwork

[zgmf-xainfinitejustice]

"So are you going to a dorm or an apartment next semester?"

Japanese student: I'll just bring my house and reassemble it

[syota]

Ive been working as a carpenter here in Japan for 10years but these guys have completely different level of carpentry skill and I really look up to them.
They do their apprenticeship for 20 years minimum then they start being acknowledged as a temple carpenter and that’s when they start getting average wage in the society.
They work for passion, not money.
That’s why I have massive respect to these guys!

[crsprarchives]

Other Nations: we ran out of supplies, guess we'll trade and import

Japan: *L E G O*

[stonedape]

Imagine being able to just disassemble your house when you have to move.

[aa-tows]

Japanese Man after building his house:

*"Nailed it"*

[thepianist]

Its so satisfying when the pieces join together

[pewpew]

*a tower falls in Japan*



*Local people causally put it back together*

[melissaroscher]

This style of wood construction shows it's best during earthquakes

[lyj]

Title: “In Japan...”
My brain: “...heart surgeon number 1, steady hand.”

[phrostedflakes]

“How to beat Minecraft without using any iron”

[jr.savage]

Why is his voice so soothing. I swear Japanese is a very beautiful language.

[GeniusInALamp]

Fun fact: the oldest name brand in history is kongo gumi, a japanese construction company. They have been in business for over 1400 years. Not a typo. Since around 700 a.d I think.. 47 generations of a family owned business. Yep. These guys are smart.

[inneraesthetics]

“We need to learn from what our ancestors have done and what they tried to pass on to us.” I love the depth of his respect towards his work.

[isaphoenix]

Okay, this is why Japan is amazing. It has the perfect combination of the past and the future. It's just amazing.

[_boltspeedman_]

Every video GBS puts out is amazing, and this one definitely is top 5 for me. I would love to see a longer video, like 20 minutes, just of this guy's workshop, more of his thinking and how he handles problem solving. Thanks again for such a great video

[ianpey]

The real reason why Japan’s buildings can withstand so many earthquakes

[edhozell]

I heard it from my Japan friend, others innovate to make lifes easier, Japan innovate to upgrade life.

[ankurchaudhary]

How clean they are, even in a carpenter shop, not a speck of wooden dust ..

[fastred]

No one:
English subtitles:
"[Speaking foreign language]"