【Now Accepting Applications】Tsumami Zaiku Online Class, Session 2 - Student Recruitment (Starts August)
━━━◥◣August 2026 Online Class, Second Session Starts◢◤━━━━
The first session's initial enrollment closed in less than 24 hours.
【Oharibako Tsumami Zaiku Online Class】
The second session is starting!
Application form:
https://forms.gle/F98qYVzKyDcTbmK96
*Please read the outline below before applying.
*Applications began on Monday, May 25th.
The application form is located at the very bottom of this page.
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For details and applications for in-person classes held in Kyoto, click here:
Tsumami Zaiku Class Beginner Course Kyoto 14th Session Student Recruitment Announcement
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◤ Why an online class now? ◢
For in-person classes, some people find it difficult to continue attending due to time constraints, distance, or personal reasons.
Online classes offer significant advantages:
You can attend from home, constantly watching the instructor's hands, and repeatedly watch archived lessons.
While there are drawbacks such as the lack of physical communication, like community building among students in the same session or direct feedback from me,
More than anything, it is my wish that you continue learning for a long time and that Tsumami Zaiku becomes a lifelong companion for you.
I hope that online classes can be one option for everyone.
Hidemasa Kitai, Representative of Kyoto Oharibako / Instructor of Tsumami Zaiku Class
Oharibako's authentic Tsumami Zaiku course, which has been studied by over 300 people so far,
began online in January of this year.
Initially, I was nervous about whether I could convey everything properly,
but I have received many positive and encouraging comments from the students.
▲Image of the learning environment
▲Actual archive screen
You can see the instructor's hands up close.
▼Features of the online class
• The immersive feel of a classroom, as if you were there.
With a two-screen delivery, you can check the instructor's fingertips and whiteboard explanations in real time.
You can learn as if you were in a classroom.
• Accessible from anywhere in the country.
Once a month with archives available (viewable for 1.5 years), even busy individuals can continue without difficulty.
• Includes materials and is affordably priced.
All necessary fabrics and metal fittings are delivered as a set.
Tools can be purchased from our online shop.
• Progress step-by-step.
By progressing through beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, you can systematically learn everything from basics to creating classical pieces.
• Free learning without qualifications or restrictions.
This course does not have a certification system.
You are free to work as an instructor or artist, regardless of whether you have taken the course.
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Beginner Course (6 sessions total)
The goal is to master proper tweezer handling and hand sensitivity, aiming to "create a beautiful single flower."
You will learn the basics of maru-tsumami, ken-tsumami, niju-tsumami, and sagari,
and finally, create a bouquet clip by designing your own color scheme.
Start Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 / Approximately once every 4 weeks
Morning Class 10:00-12:00
Daytime Class 14:00-16:00
Evening Class 19:30–21:30
Tuition Fee: 39,600 yen (tax included, materials included)
Final assignment (color scheme is optional)
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Instructor Profile
Hidemasa Kitai
Representative of "Kitai," established in 1946 / "Oharibako" in Kyoto.
Has provided hands-on instruction to over 10,000 people,
and taught habutae tsumami zaiku to over 300 students.
Engaged in research and preservation of traditional techniques, such as the restoration of Meiji-era kusudama.
Master craftsman at a workshop that sources all fabrics, dyes, and threads in Kyoto, and handles everything from production to sales.
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【Course Schedule (Beginner Class)】
Dates: Saturdays at 10:00, 14:00, and 19:30 (three sessions, same content for all times)
Total 6 sessions, held approximately once every 4 weeks.
1st Session: August 1 (Sat) - How to apply paste and the basics of maru-tsumami and ken-tsumami
2nd Session: August 29 (Sat) - Basics of trimming and how to make multi-petal flowers
3rd Session: September 26 (Sat) - Basics of niju-tsumami
4th Session: October 24 (Sat) - Bouquet Clip ① (3 round tsumami flowers)
5th Session: November 21 (Sat) - Bouquet Clip ② (3 pointed tsumami flowers)
6th Session: December 26 (Sat) - Bouquet Clip ③ (how to make sagari and bond tsumami)
*Archive viewing available (for 1.5 years from the course date)
*If you miss a session, you can make it up by watching the archive.
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Q. Is it okay for beginners?
A. Yes, it's perfectly fine for complete beginners.
We will carefully guide you from how to hold tweezers and handle paste.
Since it's a small class, you can ask questions on the spot if anything is unclear.
Q. Can I take the class without showing my face?
A. Yes. You can participate with your camera off or using a nickname.
Q. What equipment do I need?
A. You will need a smartphone, PC, or tablet that can display online lectures.
▼Here are our recommendations for those who want to attend thoroughly:
Recommended learning environment: A PC or tablet that can clearly display the live stream, and a smartphone or webcam with a stand to record your hands from above.
We recommend two devices:
① Screen for students to view the instructor's hands: PC or tablet
② Camera for the instructor to view the student's hands: Smartphone or webcam with a stand
If you show your work on the spot during class,
we will provide guidance on "why that is happening" and "how to do it more smoothly."
Please inquire about recommended smartphone stands and webcams.
Q. What tools do I need?
A. Please prepare the following tools yourself (all materials such as fabric and metal fittings are included in the course).
• Tweezers
• Paste board
• Craft scissors for handicrafts (not stationery scissors)
• Awl
• Glue
• Clothes pegs
• Masking tape
The three items: tweezers, paste board, and craft scissors (for handicrafts)
can also be purchased at the Oharibako online shop.
Q. How long can I watch the archives (recordings)?
A. The video of each session will be recorded and can be viewed anytime for 1.5 years from the date of the session.
Even if you cannot attend on a certain day, you can review it as many times as you like afterwards.
Q. When will the material kit arrive?
A. It will be shipped 1 to 2 weeks before the course begins.
Once it arrives, please check the contents according to the checklist in the box.
Q. What happens if I miss a session?
A. You can attend via archive distribution.
Also, if there is a vacancy in the same session of another class, you can transfer to that class.
Q. I'm worried about using Zoom...
A. We will hold a "Guidance Session (free)" before the course begins.
We will do connection checks and video tests together, so even beginners can feel at ease.
Q. Is there a "Certified Instructor System" or "Qualification System"?
A. This course intentionally does not have a qualification or certification system.
Tsumami Zaiku is a "free craft" where the perfection and expression of works differ from person to person.
The goal is for each individual to be able to "create beautiful flowers with their own hands."
Furthermore, for those who wish to engage in instructor activities or artist activities,
we value an environment where they can freely identify and work without being bound by "certification."
The appeal of "Oharibako Online Class" is that you can expand the techniques you learn in your own style.
Q. I am already learning at another school, is that okay?
A. Absolutely no problem.
This school does not have affiliations with other Tsumami Zaiku schools or instructors, so you can participate without concerns about obligations.
Additionally, this course emphasizes "traditional and authentic techniques" using paste and habutae silk.
Whether you want to reconfirm the basics or learn techniques from a different school,
please feel free to participate as an opportunity to deepen your own style.
How to attend
1) Application
Please apply using the form below.
We will send a confirmation email. (Closed on Wednesdays)
2) Shipping of teaching materials kit and LINE group invitation
The material kit will be shipped approximately two weeks before the course begins.
You will also be invited to a LINE group dedicated to the course.
All communication and guidance with the instructor and other students will be done via LINE.
3) Guidance Session (free)
A guidance session using Zoom will be held before the course begins.
We will greet each other and check your communication environment to alleviate any concerns before the main course.
4) On the day: Online course starts!
Entry confirmation 10 minutes before the start time. The instructor will check the hand camera, and once everyone is ready, the course will begin.
5) Archive distribution (from the next day onwards)
After the course ends, the archive URL will be shared in the LINE group from the next day onwards.
The recording can be viewed for 1.5 years from the course date. This ensures peace of mind for review or if you miss anything.
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Once applications begin, we will provide the URL here.
(Expected to be accepted via Google Form)
We look forward to your applications!
Application form:
https://forms.gle/F98qYVzKyDcTbmK96
