People who have a keen sense of touch. People who are easily absorbed in things. People with strong perseverance.

Furniture craftsmen create handmade furniture that is different from mass-produced furniture in terms of functionality and design. There is a wide variety of work involved. Some craftsmen make furniture of their own design, while others make furniture based on blueprints drawn by furniture designers. There are also craftsmen who make "custom furniture" designed according to the customer's wishes, and others who take on manual labor in mechanized factories of major furniture manufacturers. Some craftsmen can make any type of furniture, while others specialize in making different types of furniture, such as bookcases, desks, chairs, and sofas. Some craftsmen use materials other than wood, such as iron and glass, to make furniture. Furniture craftsmen tend to work steadily in their workshops, while those who specialize in "built-in furniture," which is made to fit a building, work at construction sites and other locations. Although the furniture they work on varies, all furniture craftsmen's work is the same: they make furniture that is indispensable to our daily lives and is an important part of supporting our daily lives. However, as with other craftsmen, the top furniture makers are aging, and there is a strong need to train the next generation.

There are no special qualifications to become a furniture maker, and education is not important. In most cases, aspiring furniture makers work for furniture makers or apprentice at a workshop, where they gain experience and become full-fledged furniture makers. Therefore, there is no need to attend a special school. However, at the art department of a university or junior college, or at a vocational school, you can learn knowledge useful for furniture making. There are also vocational schools where you can learn woodworking skills. If you can read furniture blueprints and know how to use processing equipment, it will be advantageous to find a job. Incidentally, there is no qualification to become a furniture maker, but there is a national qualification called "Furniture Making Technician" which certifies that a person has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for furniture making. It will improve your skills as a furniture craftsman, and you can promote yourself when you change jobs or become independent. In addition, when using wood processing machinery, which is indispensable for furniture production, it is mandatory to appoint a safety manager. Safety managers are required to hold a national certification as a "wood processing machinery operation supervisor. This is a necessary qualification for those who aim to become independent in the future.

Today's furniture market is bifurcated into two categories: inexpensive, easy-to-use furniture and high-end furniture such as designer brands. Furniture buyers are also divided into two groups: those who want low-priced products and those who want well-designed, high-quality products. In order to make a living as a furniture craftsman in this market, you must create attractive furniture that people who are particular about quality and design will want to buy. In order to do so, it is necessary to develop a good sense of style and creative skills.

The average annual income for an employee of a furniture manufacturer is approximately 4.7 million yen. Freelancers do not have a fixed income, as their income is directly linked to the orders they receive. However, if your furniture is recognized by the public and you receive regular orders, your income will be stable.

For employees, basically two days off per week. For freelancers, they often work without holidays.

Furniture workshops, furniture factories, etc.

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to getting a job as a furniture maker!