[Hyogo, Awaji Island] Awaji Tile Story: Feel like a "demon maker"! Make your own original oni tile with this mini oni tile making experience: Tile-making lunch set plan

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 you can follow along using reference examples. 10:30~/13:30~ ② Creating the base (3D molding) Following the rough sketch, you will pile up clay to create the basic shape of the onigawara. The outline of the face, horns, eyes, nose, mouth, and other details will be roughly formed. 11:00~/13:00~ ③ Using tools specially designed for finishing the details, you will carefully finish the fine details such as facial wrinkles, fangs, and eyebrows. This process creates the power and individuality that is characteristic of onigawara. The oni master will provide advice at all times, so you can work with peace of mind while improving the level of perfection. 12:00/15:00 ④ Completion Once completed, the onigawara will be smoked and fired, which takes approximately two months to complete. Once fired, it will be delivered by mail. ~Lunch Set Schedule~ Experience starts at 10:00~/13:00~ Meals start at 12:00

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.