KOITOYA is a studio timber workshop specialising in wooden craft, furniture, architectural installations and woodwork courses based on traditional Japanese skills and design philosophy.

Hiroshi Yamaguchi, the founder and owner, gained his experience and skills in Takayama, Japan, a town famous for its carpentry tradition. After 17 years designing, creating and teaching craft and furniture making in Japan, he moved to Canberra in 2012 with his family and established KOITOYA in 2015.

CBR MADE

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EST

2015

Your creation comes from your hands. Hands on experience is essential for your development.

KOITOYA offers a range of evening courses in Japanese woodworking aiming to give individual, focused support for students to gain skills and build knowledge. Experienced makers, as well as beginners are welcome. See the upcoming courses for both ongoing tutoring and set courses.

This collection illustrates the philosophies that influence my making, including the story of KOITOYA, which I decided to name my business after. ‘CONNECTION’ is the word to describe my philosophies. In some cases Connection is the drive for my creation, and in other cases it lies in the customer’s story.

'Tekizai Tekisho' means the right person in the right place. These words originate from Japanese woodwork, meaning to chose the right timber for the right place in a traditional wooden building.   I use different types of timber from various sources depending on the specific type of work.  I am always trying to get best use out of the material in order to achieve what is best for the timber, the customer and the forest.

View gallery to see my previous works, including private commissions, public projects, tables, chairs, benches, cabinets, and crafts.