Kyoto Classroom
Small-group in-person Tsumami Zaiku workshop in a traditional townhouse where you can experience the four seasons.
Instructor Profiles
Hideaki Kitai, CEO of Oharibako
My grandfather ran a silk thread wholesale business in Nishijin, Kyoto, and I was born into a family that has lived with pure silk.
From kumihimo and obijime to tsumami zaiku.
My work is rooted in the dedication to materials
and the reverence for Kyoto's decorative culture
that have been passed down through three generations.
For over 10 years, I have taught tsumami zaiku to more than 300 students
in Kyoto, Tokyo, and online.
What I teach is not
"techniques learned from a teacher."
It is the practical techniques of a craftsman
who continues to work with his hands in this studio every day.
The angle of the tweezers, the amount of paste, the "breathing" of the fabric.
I believe that the greatest value of in-person classes
is being able to directly convey
these sensibilities that cannot be expressed numerically.
Classroom Concept
A single, beautiful petal
At Harihako classrooms, we place the highest importance on "learning correctly."
All the fabrics used are domestic pure silk.
Habutae from Fukushima and chirimen from Nagahama.
These are authentic materials dyed by Kyoto dyers.
By practicing with authentic materials from the start, you will develop proper fabric handling, precise folding techniques, and beautiful finishes,
all moving in the right direction.
In the beginner course, you will master fundamental tsumami zaiku techniques such as maru-tsumami (round pinching) and ken-tsumami (sword pinching).
In the intermediate course, you will learn cutting and assembly, and in the advanced course, you will challenge yourself to create authentic classical kanzashi using 6 momme habutae silk.
The Kyoto classroom is held in a quiet annex at the main Harihako Daitokuji-mae store in Kyoto.
Step by step, with certainty.
Acquire skills here that you can continue to use for a long time.
Classroom features
Small group lessons
In-person classes are small, with 5 to 12 students, while Zoom classes have a maximum of 15 students.
This allows us to observe each student's work and provide immediate feedback.
The advantage of small class sizes is the ability to collaboratively identify and solve the reasons why something isn't working.
Even complete beginners can participate with confidence.
Traditional fabric folding and glue technique
Domestic pure silk and starch paste.
We use traditional materials and techniques that have remained unchanged for 200 years.
When things don't go well, there's always a reason.
The direction of the fabric, the amount of paste, the angle of the tweezers.
I will logically explain "why we do it this way,"
and answer your questions carefully until you are satisfied.
You only master a technique to the extent that you understand it.
Free to pursue my writing
Our school does not issue qualifications or certifications.
We believe that no qualification is needed to enjoy Tsumami Zaiku.
You are free to create works with the techniques you learn,
sell them, or teach others.
How you use the acquired techniques
is entirely up to you.
Next recruitment announcement
Applications are accepted only twice a year.
To prevent "realizing the deadline passed," we will announce the next enrollment period via our official LINE. Please let us know your preferred class (Kyoto, Tokyo, or Online), and we will notify you first when enrollment begins.
*There will be no new enrollment for the Spring/Summer 2027 Kyoto classroom.
*Enrollment for the Tokyo classroom will resume in the Spring/Summer 2027 course, after a one-year hiatus.
*Enrollment for the Spring/Summer 2027 Zoom classroom is currently undecided.
First, master the basics.
Beginner's Course
In the beginner course, you will thoroughly learn the basics of roundつまみ (tsumami), pointedつまみ (tsumami), double roundつまみ (tsumami), and double pointedつまみ (tsumami).
In the first three sessions, you will repeatedly practice the basics ofつまみ (tsumami), and in the last three sessions, you will create a bouquet clip with a hanging ornament and a 6-flower bouquet that you have color-coordinated yourself.
Many people use the pieces created in the latter half of the course as hair ornaments for their daughters' or granddaughters' Shichi-Go-San celebrations or Coming-of-Age ceremonies.
By the time you complete the beginner course, you will be able to skillfully create basic flowers like plum and chrysanthemum, as well as wisteria hanging ornaments using glue.
Let's acquire skills other than just being a bar snack.
Intermediate Course
In the intermediate course, we will delve into techniques other than Tsumami (pinching), such as cutting, assembling, color arrangement, and continuous multi-petal flower finishing.
Tsumami-zaiku surprisingly involves many steps other than Tsumami (pinching). In particular, you can learn Ohari Bako's unique technique for assembling related binding using a thread frame.
Finally, we will create a Kanzashi (hairpin) featuring pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, which serves as an introduction to classical works. You will not only use the 10 momme habutae you've been working with, but also use 6 momme habutae for the first time, assembling it onto a kanzashi base to gain the foundational skills needed to create authentic pieces.
Finally taking on the classics
Advanced Course
Now, we will take on the challenge of creating works based on classical pieces. We will create works with seasonal motifs over several sessions, utilizing the techniques learned in the beginner and intermediate courses.
This involves not only tsumami-zaiku but also base creation, assembly, and sometimes even crafting motifs other than flowers, or creating branches and fans.
While there are more tasks to undertake, the sense of accomplishment from dedicating time and effort to create a masterpiece is unique to the advanced course.
As the spring/summer and autumn/winter courses feature different works, you can enjoy them year-round at your own pace.
Tackling a classic masterpiece
Alumni Seminar
Upon completing the advanced level, optional challenge pieces await. These include grand works created over an entire season, such as the now rare kusudama kanzashi and maiko hana-gushi, as well as special assembled pieces like Shichi-Go-San Katsuyama.
The challenge pieces for the graduate course gradually increase each year, allowing you to take them on at your own pace and enjoy tsumami zaiku for a long time.
While some pieces may involve over 600 individual elements, let's bring together all the skills you've acquired so far and aim for the pinnacle of tsumami zaiku!
A cultural community expanding through Tsumami Zaiku
While Ohari-Bako's classes are a place to learn techniques,
they are also a place to foster connections.
Art tours visiting workshops of Kyoto's artisans.
Art projects where students create works together.
Annual year-end and New Year parties.
Group purchases of materials and limited edition items through an open chat exclusively for students.
Through each experience, you will meet fellow enthusiasts who love Tsumami-zaiku,
and your creative world will expand.
You don't just learn techniques in class.
Come and experience the handcraft culture of Kyoto itself with us.
Autumn/Winter 2026 New Beginner Course
Schedule
Fall/Winter 2026 sessions will be held on Fridays.
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Starting August 28th, with the final session on January 8th, 2027.
If you cannot attend a session or are absent, you can catch up on the online course archives at no additional charge.
Please note that there will be no new recruitment for the Kyoto class for Spring/Summer 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
よくある質問
ご質問
Our Zoom lessons are available to participants from overseas.
We currently have students residing abroad enrolled in our courses.
For in-person classes, make-up lessons can be arranged by adjusting your schedule (a make-up lesson fee applies).
For Zoom classes, you can access the archived lesson or transfer to another class slot.
Of course, you are welcome to join.
This is a classroom where people of all genders can enjoy Tsumami Zaiku.
Most participants start with no prior experience.
We will carefully teach you the basics, such as how to hold tweezers and use glue,
so even first-timers can join with confidence.
Tools needed for beginners include tweezers, a glue board, a glue spreader, and pliers. If you wish, we can provide them at a 10% discount. Please select the option on the order screen.
Generally, participants are required to be junior high school age or older, but elementary school children may be able to participate if they already have a certain level of experience.
Please contact us individually for details.
The Zoom seminar is available for archive viewing.
It can be viewed for 18 months after upload.
You can use it for review or if you miss a session.