August 9, 2018
Vol.63 Kindergarten Mokuiku (“Growing with Trees”) Program
Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings has invited children from local kindergarten to our plant for Mokuiku (“growing with trees”) activities since 2015. This year, the third year of the program, another kindergarten joined the program, and we are now working with 45 children from 2 kindergartens every month.
Children in the senior class experienced wood, learned techniques while grappling with various challenges, honed their creativity, and learned how fun woodworking is over the course of one year.
Comments from the Person in Charge of the Program at Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings
Children initially learned sandpaper and finishing techniques to create building blocks using lumber remnants.
They then tackled various projects, such as an “eco town” where they were given hands-on experience with wood in making objects freewheeling, as well as masks, nameplates, and Christmas wreaths. All of the children completed terrific crafts that shone with individuality.
On the day of the final Mokuiku activity last year we made picture frames using Japanese Cypress at the request of the children. It was a slightly more difficult challenge than the ones they had taken on previously, but all of the children were able to use the techniques they had learned over the course of the year and their enthusiasm for woodworking to successfully complete the project.
I was constantly surprised at the growth, creativity, and ability of the children to persist until they were successful, and I learned a great deal myself during the year.
I also received a thank you card from the children in March and was invited to their graduation ceremony. When I saw them all dressed up for their graduation from kindergarten, it brought back memories from April and I felt so proud of them.
I want to continue my efforts to provide Mokuiku activities that will enable children to experience the warmth of wood and can communicate the joy of woodworking.
Shinnosuke Oku（Production Group）
The children make buildings and vehicles and arrange them in the town.
Each child created a wreath that shone with individuality.
They used wood veneer, wood chips, and wood shavings to create the masks.
Latest Mokuiku Activities
In June, Tokyo Mokkoujou took part in the 15th Chuo-ku Eco Festival held in Akatsuki Park, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Festival participants tried their hand at making a keychain stand and planing at our booth. Around 80 people participated in making a keychain stand and around 90, in planing.
