SOLIS ALEXA MAE FLOR

I joined the bamboo club after receiving an invitation from my Japanese language teacher, Watanabe-sensei. At first, I was thinking it would be a good breather from all the academic activities we’ve been doing. I was also curious about how Japanese artisans work and wanted to observe the process firsthand.

I already had a little familiarity with bamboo. Maybe not formal experience, but I grew up watching my grandpa and my mom make things around the house using bamboo, mainly fences, chairs, and ladders. Because of that, I was really looking forward to the structure we were going to build: the star dome.

I was a bit sad that I couldn’t join on the first day for harvesting the raw materials, but the following two days were tiring yet enjoyable.

I was genuinely happy with how the process of making the bamboo star dome was introduced. Everything was explained in detail and in simple terms, so beginners like us could follow along. A smaller model was also shown to help us visualize what the final structure would look like.

As we started working with the materials, I realized that it wasn’t enough to simply visualize the structure in your head. Physical strength, patience, and perseverance were equally important to complete the tasks. Bamboo, in particular, is both malleable and extremely durable. The tools required not only strength but also precision to ensure that the pieces were cut evenly, and many of the tasks required multiple people working together.

On the second day, we changed locations and moved the materials as well. We reviewed the preparation process again to make sure everyone still remembered the steps. Most of us were feeling sore, and the weather was especially challenging. It felt a bit bleak at times, but we pushed through. Everyone worked together to assemble the dome, trusting each person to hold their part properly so the structure would stand as planned. And it did. I still remember the excitement and happiness I felt as the shape gradually took form until it was finally completed.

It really was demanding, but it was more than just heavy materials, labor-intensive work, or cold weather. Seeing the completed star dome and working alongside everyone gave me a strong sense of fulfillment. You can understand in theory that making crafts is not easy, but participating wholeheartedly made the experience far more meaningful.

Participating in this activity also gave me a deeper respect for artisans who dedicate themselves to their craft. Experiencing the physical demands, precision, and patience required made me appreciate the skill and commitment behind handmade work in a way that observation alone never could.

実際に体を使って作業する大変さや、正確さ、そして根気強さが求められることを経験したことで、手作業によるものづくりの背景にある技術や努力を、ただ見ているだけでは分からない形で実感することができました。