[Hyogo, Awaji Island] Awaji Tile Story: Feel like a "demon maker"! A mini onigawara making experience where you can make your own original onigawara.

Awaji Island is one of Japan's three major producers of roofing tiles, boasting the highest production volume of oxidized roofing tiles, known for their lustrous "silver-like" finish. The history of roofing tiles spans over 1,400 years, and roofing on Awaji Island has been a tradition for over 400 years. This experience offers the opportunity to create your own miniature onigawara (roughly 20cm square) inspired by the onigawara (roughly 20cm square) still used at temples and shrines today. The artisans who handcraft these onigawara are known as "oni-shi," and there are approximately 10 of them on Awaji Island (approximately 50 nationwide). For this experience, you will use a basic clay base with the eyebrows, eyes, and nose clearly defined. You will then add facial features, such as horns, fangs, and a mouth, to create a one-of-a-kind, original onigawara. ~Experience Schedule~ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ 1. Consider the design image (draft): On the clay base for the onigawara, use a pencil to sketch the image of the demon you want to create, including the facial expression and shape of the horns. The oni's facial expression is up to you. You can create your own design, whether it's a powerful or gentle demon. *Even first-timers can feel at ease as we have a reference example to help guide you. 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM ② Creating the base (3D molding): Following the rough sketch, we pile up clay to create the basic shape of the onigawara. We then roughly create the facial contours, horns, eyes, nose, and mouth. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ③ Using specialized tools for finishing details, we carefully refine the fine details, such as facial wrinkles, fangs, and eyebrows. This process creates the unique and powerful look that is characteristic of onigawara. The oni master will provide advice as needed, allowing you to work with confidence while improving the quality of the finished product. 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ④ Completion: After completion, the product is smoked and fired, which takes approximately two months. Once fired, it will be shipped by mail.

This program allows you to experience the tile culture that has been passed down for a long time in Japan through crafts using actual clay tiles. You can learn about the charm of traditional tiles that have been used in the construction of Japanese houses and temples and shrines through craftsmanship.

The real clay used in roof tile production is used, and roof tile craftsmen (onishi) will carefully support you in the production process, so even first-timers can enjoy making things with peace of mind.

Beginners and children can participate with confidence and create an original onigawara (rice tile) measuring approximately 20cm square. The finished piece will be smoked and delivered to your home, where you can enjoy it as a memento of your trip, interior decoration, or talisman.