![[Shizuoka Fujieda / Limited to First 15 Participants] Gold Leaf Application Experience (Hisashi Itsuaki) × Calligraphy Workshop (Syujidokoro Kohyou) | A Collaborative Workshop Between a Traditional Craftsman and a Young Calligrapher](https://en.kogei-japonica.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/traditional-workshop-1221_top1.webp "[Shizuoka Fujieda / Limited to First 15 Participants] Gold Leaf Application Experience (Hisashi Itsuaki) × Calligraphy Workshop (Syujidokoro Kohyou) | A Collaborative Workshop Between a Traditional Craftsman and a Young Calligrapher")
Table of Contents
Limited to First 15 Participants | Held at Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple | A Special 2-Day Fusion of Edge-Attached Gold Leaf and Ink Art
Features of This Event
- Fusion of Gold Leaf and Calligraphy: Japan’s only experience of writing characters in ink on edge-attached gold leaf
- Traditional Craftsman × Young Calligrapher: Cross-generational collaboration between a 4th-generation Kyoto artisan and a 23-year-old emerging calligrapher
- Held Inside Kiyomizudera Temple’s Daishi Hall: Special workshop at a historic temple in Fujieda, Shizuoka
- Perfect for New Year Preparations: A special year-end project to shape your aspirations for 2025
- Completed Works Delivered: Professionally finished pieces sent to you later
Event Overview | Schedule, Pricing, and Reservation Details
[Part 1] Gold Leaf Application Workshop | December 21, 2025 (Sunday)
Schedule
– Morning Session: 10:00-12:30 (Capacity: 7 people)
– Afternoon Session: 14:00-16:30 (Capacity: 8 people)
Workshop Content
– Create 1 incense box (kogo)
– Create 1 business card tray
– Instruction in edge-attached gold leaf application techniques
Instructor
Hisashi Itsuaki (4th Generation, Gomei Gold Leaf Crafts, Kyoto)
[Part 2] Calligraphy Workshop | January 11, 2026 (Sunday)
Schedule
– Morning Session: 10:00-12:30 (Capacity: 7 people)
– Afternoon Session: 14:00-16:30 (Capacity: 8 people)
– ※Other dates available upon request
Workshop Content
– Write New Year’s aspirations (kigo) on the gold leaf-covered business card tray
– Instruction from basic to advanced calligraphy techniques
– Final finishing and processing (shipped at a later date)
Instructor
Seiya Abe (Syujidokoro Kohyou, Kohyou)
Venue, Participation Fee, and Reservation Method
Venue
Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple (6-1 Hara, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
※This event is not hosted by the temple. Please refrain from contacting Kiyomizudera directly
Participation Fee
¥20,000 (tax included)
※Attendance at both the gold leaf workshop and calligraphy workshop is mandatory
Capacity
Limited to first 15 participants, fully reserved
Reservation Method
Pre-registration via the reservation form at the bottom of the page (details will be sent by email)
Special Benefits
Gold leaf craft items will also be available for sale on the day of the gold leaf workshop
※Kiyomizudera will be offering special flower goshuin seals that day
What Makes This Experience Special? | Three Unique Values
1. Handle UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “Edge-Attached Gold Leaf” with Your Own Hands
Gomei Gold Leaf Crafts is a workshop that performs gold, silver, and platinum leaf application and metallic powder finishing, primarily for Kyoto Buddhist altar production, preserving the handmade technique of “edge-attached gold leaf,” which remains only in Japan worldwide.
Edge-attached gold leaf is the highest quality gold leaf, beaten to an extreme thinness of about 1/10,000th of a millimeter. Its manufacturing technique has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, representing the pinnacle of Kyoto’s traditional crafts.
Normally, this precious gold leaf is handled only by craftsmen, but at this event, all participants can learn the technique of applying gold leaf and challenge themselves to create their own works.
2. Write Characters in Ink on Gold Leaf – A Technique You Can’t Experience Anywhere Else
The fusion of gold leaf and ink represents different traditional techniques. This is not merely a combination, but an extremely challenging endeavor from a technical standpoint.
Gold leaf is extraordinarily delicate and tears with the slightest pressure. Writing characters with a brush on it requires special technique and concentration. This program has been designed with a unique method developed by the 4th-generation traditional craftsman and calligrapher, allowing even beginners to challenge this technique.
The completed work becomes a one-of-a-kind artwork where the brilliance of gold leaf harmonizes with the depth of ink.
3. Experience in the Special Space of Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple
Time spent engaging with traditional techniques in the serene atmosphere of a historic temple. An environment where you can immerse yourself in creating works while clearing your mind, away from daily bustle, offers value unique to this location.
As preparation for welcoming the New Year, you can spend special time confronting yourself and giving form to your resolve for the coming year.
Instructor Profiles | Craftsman Preserving Tradition and Young Calligrapher Pursuing Innovation
Gold Leaf Instruction: Hisashi Itsuaki | 4th Generation, Gomei Gold Leaf Crafts
Profile
– Born in Kyoto City, 62 years old
– Inherited traditional edge-attached gold leaf techniques as 4th generation
– Conducted gold leaf application workshops for 25 years
Major Achievements and Awards
– 2000: Certified as Traditional Craftsman of Kyoto Buddhist Altars
– 2004: Received Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for Encouragement of Traditional Industries
– 2011: Recognized as “Future Master Craftsman” 1st Generation by Kyoto City
Activities
As a successor to the “edge-attached gold leaf” technique recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, he dedicates himself to preserving traditional techniques through Buddhist altar production, creating works using gold leaf, and conducting workshops.
With a desire to convey the extreme thinness and beauty of edge-attached gold leaf to many people through actual experience, he has continued workshops for a quarter century. He has a reputation for providing careful instruction to each participant and making the depth of traditional techniques easy to understand.
Official Website: [Kyoto Gomei Gold Leaf Crafts](https://www.gomei.ne.jp/)
Calligraphy Instruction: Seiya Abe | Director, Syujidokoro Kohyou
Profile
– 23-year-old calligrapher
– Artistic name: Kohyou
– Operates calligraphy school “Syujidokoro Kohyou” inside Kiyomizudera Temple’s Daishi Hall
Qualifications and Achievements
– Acquired Level 1 Penmanship Proficiency Test sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
– Holds calligraphy instructor qualification
– Numerous collaboration achievements across industries and fields
Activity Philosophy
With the motto “While preserving tradition, pursue challenges beyond convention,” he explores new possibilities in calligraphy. To convey the appeal of calligraphy to younger generations, he develops innovative activities including social media outreach and collaborations with different industries.
While operating a calligraphy school in the historic location of Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple, he continues exploring ways to utilize traditional techniques in modern contexts.
Official Website: [Syujidokoro Kohyou](https://syujidokorokohyou.hp.peraichi.com/seiya1030)
Instagram: [@__seiya1030__](https://www.instagram.com/__seiya1030__/)
Workshop Process | Special Works Completed Over 2 Days
Day 1 [December 21] Gold Leaf Application Experience
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
1. Explanation of Gold Leaf and Edge-Attachment Technique (20 minutes)
– What is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “edge-attached gold leaf”
– History and manufacturing methods of gold leaf
– Role of gold leaf in Kyoto Buddhist altars
2. Tool Usage Lecture (20 minutes)
– Explanation of tools needed for gold leaf application
– Demonstration of basic techniques
– Safe handling methods
3. Creating Incense Box (Kogo) (60 minutes)
– Preparing the base
– Practical application of gold leaf carefully
– Finishing and polishing
4. Creating Business Card Tray (60 minutes)
– Gold leaf application technique on flat surfaces
– Challenging more delicate finishing
– Confirming completed work
Created Items
– 1 incense box (approximately 9cm × 9cm)
– 1 business card tray (approximately 20cm × 12cm)
※The business card tray will be used in Part 2 calligraphy workshop
Day 2 [January 11] Calligraphy Experience
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
1. Calligraphy Basics Lecture (30 minutes)
– How to hold the brush and proper posture
– Drawing basic lines
– Special techniques for writing on gold leaf
2. Contemplating New Year’s Aspirations (20 minutes)
– Putting thoughts for 2026 into words
– Expressing with one character or a short phrase
– Discussion with instructor
3. Practice (40 minutes)
– Practice on plain paper
– Balance and composition of characters
– Preparation for writing on gold leaf
4. Final Work (40 minutes)
– Writing (kigo) on the gold leaf-covered business card tray
– Concentrating and pouring heart into each stroke
– Final check by instructor
5. Finishing Explanation (20 minutes)
– Explanation of subsequent processing procedures
– Work handling and maintenance methods
– Confirmation of shipping schedule
After Completion
The instructor will make fine adjustments and process the work, carefully packaging and sending it to you in 1-2 weeks.
Background to This Event | Crystallization of Cross-Generational Spirit
62 and 23 Years Old — Significance of Cross-Generational Collaboration
This event is an unusual collaboration between Hisashi Itsuaki (62 years old), a 4th-generation traditional craftsman active in Kyoto, and Seiya Abe (23 years old), a calligrapher based in Fujieda, Shizuoka, bridging a 39-year age gap.
Hisashi Itsuaki
“Traditional techniques have value only when people use them. I want more people to experience the beauty of gold leaf.”
Having continued workshops for a quarter century, Hisashi Itsuaki emphasizes the importance of not just “preserving” tradition but “conveying” it.
Seiya Abe
“Calligraphy is not rigid. New appeal emerges when free expression merges with traditional techniques.”
Seiya Abe continues various challenges to convey the enjoyment of calligraphy to younger generations. This collaboration represents his passion taking form.
Common Mission to “Connect Tradition to the Future”
The two, different in generation and activity base, connected through their common mission to “connect tradition to the future.”
This event is not merely a workshop. It is a new attempt to pass Japanese traditional culture to the next generation.
Participant Testimonials | From Past Workshops
Gold Leaf Application Workshop Participants
- “I was amazed at how thin the gold leaf was. You must handle it carefully or it tears, but that’s what makes it interesting. The sense of accomplishment upon completion is exceptional.” (Woman in her 40s)
- “Hisashi Itsuaki’s explanations were easy to understand, and even as a first-timer, I finished beautifully. I’m happy to experience Kyoto’s traditional techniques in Shizuoka.” (Man in his 30s)
Calligraphy Workshop Participants
- “I was drawn in by Mr. Abe’s youth and enthusiasm. I thought calligraphy would be difficult, but I learned enjoyably.” (Woman in her 20s)
- “The time spent concentrating on writing characters in the quiet space of Kiyomizudera was pleasant. I have the completed work displayed in my room.” (Man in his 50s)
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ
Q1. Can beginners participate?
A. Yes, beginners are very welcome. Both gold leaf application and calligraphy will be taught carefully from the basics, so even those without experience can participate with confidence.
Q2. Is participation on both days mandatory?
A. Yes, this event requires participation on both December 21 for the gold leaf workshop and January 11 for the calligraphy workshop.
Q3. Can children participate?
A. Children in upper elementary school grades and above can participate. However, since gold leaf is an extremely delicate material, we request accompaniment by a guardian.
Q4. When will the work arrive?
A. After the January 11 calligraphy workshop concludes, the instructor will process it and ship it to your home in 1-2 weeks.
Q5. Do I need to bring anything?
A. No special items are needed. Please come in clothing that can get dirty. Aprons and other items will be provided at the venue.
Q6. Is parking available?
A. Parking space is available at Kiyomizudera. Details will be provided upon reservation.
Q7. Is cancellation possible?
A. Cancellation is free up to 7 days before the event date. After that, cancellation fees may apply due to material preparation.
Welcome 2025 with a Special Work
As you welcome the new year, why not give form to your resolve and wishes?
The brilliance of gold leaf symbolizes hope and possibility.
The black of ink expresses resolve and sincerity.
The work fusing these two will become a special presence that supports and encourages your new challenges in 2025.
A special winter-only experience taught wholeheartedly by a traditional craftsman and young calligrapher.
Spend a one-of-a-kind time at Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple in Fujieda, Shizuoka.
Registration and Inquiries
Capacity: Limited to first 15 participants
Deadline: Closes when capacity is reached
Fully reserved. Please enter the required information in the reservation form below and submit. We will send you details in return.
[IMPORTANT INFORMATION]
– The participation fee of ¥20,000 (tax included) is for both days
– Participation on both days—gold leaf workshop (December 21) and calligraphy workshop (January 11)—is mandatory
– Single-day only applications are not accepted
Event Organizers and Collaborators
Organizer: Syujidokoro Kohyou (Seiya Abe)
Collaboration: Gomei Gold Leaf Crafts (Hisashi Itsuaki)
Venue Provider: Inside Kiyomizudera Temple’s Daishi Hall
※This event is not hosted by the temple
Access | Directions to Fujieda Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple
Address: 6-1 Hara, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture 426-0086
By Car:
– Approximately 15 minutes from Shin-Tomei Expressway “Fujieda-Okabe IC”
– Parking available (details provided upon reservation)
By Public Transportation:
– Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Fujieda Station
– Route buses also available (please inquire for details)
Registration Form
*Subject: Please select “Gold Leaf Application Experience × Calligraphy Workshop Registration”
