Hnin Yu Soe

Sore Muscles, Teamwork, and Star Dome

Hnin

When I used to hear the phrase “traditional crafts,” I imagined something calm and delicate a quiet room, a cup of tea, and someone gently weaving a small basket.

That was exactly the picture in my head when I signed up for the Beppu Bamboo Club’s project.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

And honestly, I’m grateful for that.

What was meant to be a cultural experience for international students quickly turned into a

two-day journey filled with sweat, laughter, teamwork, and a newfound respect for craftsmanship in Kyushu.

Our experience didn’t begin in a cozy workshop. It began with raw bamboo.

On Dec 20th, we went to Nagai Seichiku to process bamboo into usable strips and practiced how to make a big star dome for the next day. I’ve always admired handmade products, but I had never thought about how much physical effort happens before the actual craft even begins.

It was loud, heavy, and surprisingly intense. We lifted, cut, and split bamboo for hours. Every movement demanded strength and coordination.

Here’s a small confession: the next morning, I felt like I had run a full marathon. 😊

My arms, and back were sore in places I didn’t even know existed especially for me who doesn’t do exercises often. :D But strangely,

that kind of pain was satisfying it was proof that I had truly participated, not just observed.

Despite the soreness, the whole activity was filled with excitement and that was the moment I realized something important you cannot build a Star Dome alone. It requires many people moving together, communicating constantly, and trusting each other to hold and bend the bamboo arches at just the right moment. One mistake, one miscommunication, and the structure could collapse. Students from different countries, cultures, and languages worked side by side.

While my hands were busy shaping bamboo, my thoughts kept drifting back to Myanmar. In my country, bamboo is less common in crafts compared to rattan, but the spirit behind the work feels very familiar. The process, the patience, and the respect for natural materials are deeply rooted in both cultures.

I’ve always been a maker at heart. I love turning raw materials into something meaningful and beautiful. That’s why I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and macramé in my free time. There issomething universal about handcrafts. Whether it’s Myanmar rattan or Beppu bamboo, the joy comes from the same place the act of creating with your own hands.

When I see the Star Dome standing against the sky, it was breathtaking.

Before, I saw beautiful objects in shops and exhibitions. Now, I see the invisible layers behind them, the physical labor, the teamwork, the tradition, and the quiet dedication of artisans.

This project gave me more than a memorable weekend. It gave me a deeper respect for craftsmanship and a stronger connection to local culture.

If you ever have the chance to experience something like this, take it.

Your body might hurt the next day but the sense of accomplishment will stay with you much longer.