Old Japanese Wooden Barrel

[LordBalto]

Fascinating. This what I've been looking for for a while now (Not the barrel, the emphasis on Japanese craftsmanship).

[softypapa]

@LordBalto I am so glad you enjoyed hearing the little I have learned about these barrels. TheJapanChannelDcom has some videos as well on the subject of old Japan craftsmanship. I think the video is titled "Old Japan Village" or something like that. Thanks again for watching! -Kurt :-)

[MicknFumi]

Wow no glue, that's pretty cool : )

[softypapa]

@MicknFumi I too was amazed when I first learned about how these vessels were made. Japanese craftsmanship is indeed something very special. -Kurt :-)

[TheJapanChannelDcom]

Have you seen them making these, brother?

True art!

[softypapa]

@TheJapanChannelDcom I have never seen anyone making these though I did once meet a man who made them and was able to chat with him a bit. Have you seen these being made? That would make a great video don't you think? -Kurt :-)

[krelllabs]

This reminds me of the wonderful books by the illustrator Eric Sloane, about the uses and working of wood. Very thankful for this bit - and for all the others, too!!

[softypapa]

@krelllabs I will need to check out the books you reference. Thank you for sharing and for your nice words about the videos! -Kurt :-)

[DivineContrast]

How on earth do they manage to keep it watertight with wood rings?!

My grandparents make wine but the barrels are with steel rings, and even with them it's hard to keep them watertight.

So how do they do it?! Isn't wood supposed to be flexible and stretch?

[softypapa]

@DivineContrast This is a great question though I do not know the answer. I spoke with a traditional Cooper here in Shizuoka (I should have filmed our chat) and he showed me how he assembled his barrels and pails. The fit of the pieces was so precise! My wife's family's old wooden tub lasted nearly 50 years without leaking. I think that the fact that the wood expands when wet may play an important part in this puzzle. -Kurt :-)

[Limastudent]

Home made miso tub?

[softypapa]

@Limastudent That may indeed be what

it is. My first impression was that it was a

bit too small for a bath. Thanks for watching

and suggesting a possible answer to the

identity and use of this barrel. -Kurt :-)

[qiranger]

Awesome. I really need to get out into the country more.

[softypapa]

@qiranger Let me know if come through the

Shizuoka area and we can go out exploring

in the hills! Thanks for watching and commenting!

-Kurt :-)

[every1lovesAalex]

Dmarie1184

I would love to read the novel also!

Hello softy thank you for another great video :)

[softypapa]

@every1lovesAalex Hey dmarie1184, It looks like you have already got two buyers for your book! I really think there is a market for novels making use of themes related to Japan and Japanese culture. You may have a very large market for your work just waiting for you to publish!

@every1lovesAalex, Thank you for your nice words. I'm glad you liked the video! -Kurt :-)

[dmarie1184]

Also, with the bathing customs, I thought that the most important person in the household would use the bathtub and hot water first, followed by each of the other members of the family. I think I remember reading that somewhere...

[softypapa]

@dmarie1184 You are absolutely right! And this is not an extinct custom. My father-in-law always takes his bath first followed by all male members of the household. The females then take their turns and the very last person to bathe is mother. And its not just with older people... My wife (Japanese) is a very modern woman though she always prefers to let her husband and daughter bathe before her. -Kurt :-)

[dmarie1184]

I love videos like this. I learn so much from them. They're especially helpful little tidbits, like this one, to put into my novel set in old Japan.

Thanks for uploading!

[softypapa]

@dmarie1184 Wow! Thank you for your very nice words. I'm so happy to hear that you found this interesting. To tell the truth I was borderline not uploading this as I thought it might be a bit too boring. I'm encouraged by your email to better trust my instincts regarding what to upload. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kurt :-)

[softypapa]

@dmarie1184 Oh, and best of luck with the novel! Please let me know when you publish as I would like to read it and then post a video review. -Kurt :-)

[dmarie1184]

@softypapa Thanks! It may be awhile as I'm still editing/researching it and then the publishing process itself takes forever...but I will let you know.

[reymiland]

How lush and green everything is! And rooster-san is saying hello to you too! Nice video..please keep showing us views of your wanderings.

[softypapa]

@reymiland Wasn't the rooster great! He is a recent addition to the neighborhood and I love to hear him crowing whenever I pass this particular farmhouse. I will be sure to bring more such videos in the future. Thank you for your nice words and encouragement! -Kurt :-)

[freakmrhyde]

They are so many old treasure like that in your area. It should be really fun to wander around those old places. Thanks again for sharing with us.

Mathieu

[softypapa]

@freakmrhyde I'm glad that you enjoyed seeing this old barrel. It's indeed rather difficult to get much exercise when walking in this area as there are so many interesting distractions inviting my attention. I'm happy you could come along with me today for this part of my morning walk. -Kurt :-)