[Hyogo, Minami Awaji] Try your hand at making onigawara tiles, a tradition that has continued for over 400 years! Learn from a master craftsman, the "Onishi"

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• With a history spanning 1,400 years, roofing tiles have protected Japanese homes, including shrines and temples. Among them are the "onishi," masters of the art of craftsmanship. They create their own unique onigawara tiles by hand, using "namedo" clay, which is over 2 million years old. Learn the craftsmanship from an oniishi and create your own one-of-a-kind tile. Awaji Island is one of Japan's three major roofing regions, boasting the highest production of smoky tiles, known as "iron tiles." Roofing tiles date back over 1,400 years, and tile production on Awaji Island has continued for over 400 years. The clay used to make Awaji tiles is still over 2 million years old, with extremely fine grains. By firing (smoking) the clay in a kiln, the exquisitely lustrous smoky tiles are born. In Japan, onigawara (rice tiles) have long been used to decorate roofs as talismans against evil spirits. Even today, these tiles are meticulously handcrafted, one by one, by oni-shi (artisans). While you don't usually get to see oni-shi crafting, this experience offers the chance to observe the artisans' craftsmanship up close and create your own tile together. Since this experience is limited to one group, you can make your own tile without worrying about others. If you have any questions or concerns about the craftsmanship, you can ask the oni-shi at any time. This is a private experience where you can experience traditional techniques. [Procedure] 1. Sketch the design (you can also bring a sketch you've drawn in advance). 2. Decide on the design of the oni-gawara. 3. Together with the oni-shi, create the rough shape using clay (nametsu). 4. Let it cure (eat lunch on your own during this time). 5. Finish the details with a spatula and your fingertips. 6. Completed (you can also take a commemorative photo with the oni-shi). Your finished product will then be carefully dried and fired, and delivered approximately two months later. *For lunch, you can enjoy Awaji Island's specialty "Kawara-yaki" at the facility (separate fee required).
• [What you can make] You can make one onigawara (roughly 25cm square) (a size that can be displayed in your home).