【Applications start from May 1st】

For those who want to hold a "Tatsuke Workshop"

We will thoroughly teach you how to make and how to convey it.

Certified instructors are waiting for you.

"I want to share such a wonderful creation."

With straight cutting, no wasted fabric, ingenious construction, and the wisdom of ancient Japan, an increasing number of people want to share this. Against this backdrop, we started a workshop instructor training and certification course in 2023.

We will teach you "how to convey".

This course is not about learning how to make tatsuke.

Why this shape?
Why is this process necessary?

This course is for understanding the structure and background of clothes that have been born and passed down in daily life, internalizing them, and then expressing them in words to share with others.

To convey what you yourself are convinced of,
carefully and sincerely.

This is the
Tatsuke Workshop Instructor Certification Course for those who have such aspirations.

This course is suitable for those with the following aspirations.

• Those who have made at least one tatsuke
  and want to know what's beyond "being able to make it".
• Those who want to understand why this shape and why this process, and express it in their own words.
• Those who, if holding a workshop,
  want to convey not only the steps but also the background and ideas.
• Those who want to be able to answer participants' questions
  with reasons, not just experience.
• Those who wish to carefully and sincerely share what they themselves believe in with others.

What we value in this course

In this course, we place more importance on "what attitude and what to convey" than on teaching techniques and procedures.

1. Understanding the reasons behind the shape

The shapes and processes of tatsuke embody the lifestyle of the region and the wisdom cultivated over a long period. In this course, we don't just end with "this is how you do it," but rather we delve into why this particular shape and why this specific process. By understanding the reasons, tatsuke transforms from a mere task into clothing with a story to tell.

>About Tatsuke

2. Being able to explain in your own words

What is necessary to become a certified instructor is not to memorize a set explanation. It is to be able to explain what you understand and are convinced of, in your own words, tailored to the other person. To achieve this, the course emphasizes time for thinking and verbalizing, alongside the act of making.

3. Conveying sincerely

A workshop is a place where people face each other and share time. In this course, we value conveying with sincerity as much as accuracy. Not being vague about what you don't understand, pausing to think, and being able to say "I don't know" if necessary. We believe that such an attitude builds trust in the learning environment.

What you will learn in this course

This course aims to foster the ability to understand and transmit tatsuke, assuming that participants will "learn how to make it."

• Understanding the structure of tatsuke not just as a process but as a "meaningful shape"
• Being able to explain why these dimensions and why this sewing method
• Differences between hand sewing and machine sewing, and how to convey them when teaching
• Approaches and ways of thinking for common questions in workshops
• The perspective of re-choosing words according to the participants' level of understanding

By making and thinking, and putting thoughts into words, this back-and-forth process is valued to internalize tatsuke as "teachable knowledge." Additionally, we want you to learn about Itoshiro, the region where tatsuke originated.

Flow until instructor certification

The course progresses in stages.
It is designed to deepen understanding over time, rather than completing it all at once.

1. Course Enrollment
   Learn about the structure and background of tatsuke, and perspectives on teaching. The content also includes information about the Itoshiro region where tatsuke originated. We will spend time thinking while actively working with our hands.

2. Assignment Production
   Based on what you've learned, you will work on assignments. You will create three tatsuke.
   You will materialize your own understanding and submit it.

3. Certification
   Those who are deemed ready to understand and convey tatsuke
   through the assignments they submit will be
   certified as "Tatsuke Workshop Certified Instructors."

4. Certification for other garmentsOnly those who have become "Tatsuke Workshop Certified Instructors" can obtain certification for other garments. Details on how to obtain this will be announced during the course.
   
   Certification is not the goal; it is the starting point for conveying tatsuke. Let's start moving together as colleagues.

Once you become a certified Tatsuke instructor, you can participate in the following:

• Certified Instructor Gathering: Once a year, we gather in Itoshiro for consultations on holding courses and plans to enjoy Itoshiro throughout the seasons.
• Production Area Study Group: We provide opportunities for those who create things to learn about thread and fabric. This is a learning experience that includes factory tours that are not usually accessible.
• LINE Group: You can participate in a space where you can consult with each other about tatsuke making.
• Workshop promotion support: We will help promote workshops held by certified instructors through various information dissemination from Itoshiro Yōhinten.

Voices from previous participants

We have received the following feedback from those who have taken the course:

• It was a very meaningful time, participating with people who aspire to be certified instructors, in a sense of unity learning about tatsuke. Having colleagues with whom I can compete and grow has become a great asset in spreading tatsuke.

• There were parts I didn't understand in a single workshop, but by participating in this certification course and receiving careful explanations, I was able to understand. Tatsuke making is profound. I want to make more and more. I love it even more.

• Although it was a time of heavy snow in Itoshiro, the scenery was healing, and the other participants were friendly, so I was able to make tatsuke while chatting happily.

• Of course, I learned technical aspects of how to make and teach, but also the hospitality of everyone during my stay, getting to know Itoshiro, and meeting the other participants - everything was truly a wonderful experience.

One of the characteristics of this course is that many participants say their way of thinking and attitude have changed, and they have gained companions, not just technical skills.

Schedule

・June 13 (Sat) - 15 (Mon), 2026

・September 12 (Sat) - 14 (Mon), 2026

Detailed information for participation

Schedule

*The schedule is set to allow participation using public transportation.

Day 1
13:30 Start (Greetings, Self-introductions)
14:00 History of Itoshiro, Introduction to Itoshiro Yohinten
15:00 Measurement, Fabric cutting / Overlocking
18:00 Check-in at accommodation & Dinner gathering

Day 2
9:00 Shrine visit, Tour of old artifact museum
10:00 Start sewing
12:00 Lunch, Shop tour, Explanation of old clothes
13:00 Resume sewing
17:00 End
18:00 Dinner

Day 3
9:00 Explanation of workshop key points and assignments, etc.
12:00 Lunch and sharing time
13:00 End (bus departs at 13:19)

• The schedule may change due to weather conditions or other factors.
• Evenings are generally free time. Recommended activities include visiting nearby hot springs (Manten no Yu) or stargazing.

What to bring

Sewing tools (fabric scissors, thread scissors, measuring tape, chalk pen, sewing machine thread (cotton thread #50 or polyester thread #60 that matches the fabric), pins (20), pincushion), elastic threader, fabric (if you don't have one, we can provide fabric for 4,900 yen), overnight set (towel, pajamas, etc. This varies depending on the accommodation, so we will inform you in advance).

• We will prepare sewing machines (JUKI straight stitch machine, overlock machine) and rulers (50-60cm).
• Overlock threads in white, beige, navy, and black are provided.
• Waist elastic (1.5cm wide/2cm wide) and waist ties (1cm wide) can be provided here.
• The fabric we provide is introduced on the following website. If you purchase fabric, we will also prepare the thread.Unbleached fabric

Participation fee

52,000 yen (including lunch. Accommodation fees of approximately 10,000 yen/night (with breakfast and dinner) are separate. Details will be provided in an email after application).

• As there are fewer accommodations operating in the village, we generally guide you to Guest House KIITOS, operated by Itoshiro Yohinten. If you plan to stay the night before or after, please consult us.

Venue & Access

Itoshiro Yohinten
65-18 Itoshiro, Shirotori-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
tel: 0575-86-3808

• Please come by private car or public transport.
• If you are coming by private car, a 4WD and studded tires are required in winter (around December to March). If you are not used to driving in snow, please use public transport. If you are concerned about road conditions, please contact us.

Accommodation

We will guide you to "KIITOS" guesthouse, located opposite the Itoshiro Yohinten WS facility where the workshop will be held (separate charge). Due to the number of people, shared rooms (2 people per room) will be the general arrangement.
Detailed information and a pre-questionnaire will be sent about one month before the event, but please let us know if you plan to stay at another accommodation or if you absolutely require a private room.

If you come to Itoshiro by public transportation

• Outbound journey (morning departure)

  Nagoya ⇒ (JR) ⇒ Mino-Ota9:56 ⇒ (Nagaragawa Railway) ⇒  11:53 Mino-Shirotori12:20 ⇒ (Itoshiro Demand Bus Shirotori Kotsu)⇒ Shimozaisyo13:00

   

• Return journey (noon departure) Nishi-Zaisyo13:19 ⇒ (Itoshiro Demand Bus) ⇒ 14:00 Mino-Shirotori14:18
  ⇒  (Nagaragawa Railway) ⇒ 16:37 Mino-Ota17:00 ⇒ (JR) ⇒ Nagoya17:58

If you come by car

• For those coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Meishin Expressway, Ichinomiya JCT (exit the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway at Shirotori IC)

• For those coming from Toyama and Takayama areas
  Approximately 30 minutes from Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, Takasu IC.

■Cancellation Policy

Cancellation from application to one week before the event: 5%

Cancellation from 6 days to 3 days before the event: 50%

Cancellation after that: full amount

■Notes

• Temperatures can drop below freezing in winter. Please bring warm clothing (it can also get cold during the rainy season and early autumn, so please bring a jacket).

• In winter, the roads are snowy. Please come with snow boots or durable winter shoes.

• There are no convenience stores or supermarkets nearby. Please bring anything you need for the 2 nights and 3 days, snacks, etc. (we will also provide some).

Notes before applying

This course is designed to deepen understanding as you progress.
Please check the following in advance to ensure your comfortable participation.

• This course is intended for those who have made Tatsuke at least once.
  It is not for beginners making Tatsuke for the first time.
• While the aim is certification, this is not a course to simply obtain a qualification in a short period.
• Within the course, we value the time spent thinking and articulating your thoughts, alongside the practical work.
• As the course involves submitting assignments, it is suitable for those who can set aside time to work at their own pace.
• Due to the nature of the content, cancellations and refunds are not accepted after the course begins. We kindly ask for your understanding before applying.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us before applying. We value above all that you participate feeling fully informed.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. If I've made tattsuke before, how much experience is required?

You can participate if you have completed at least one tattsuke. We value the desire to "understand why things are the way they are" more than skill level.

Q2. Will the instruction be by sewing machine or hand-stitching?

The course covers both sewing machine and hand-stitching. In the workshop, we will also explain the characteristics and teaching methods for each, so you can choose according to the participants and environment.

Q3. Can I participate even if I don't have teaching experience?

Yes, you can. This course is designed for those who "want to start teaching," rather than those who already have teaching experience.

Q4. After certification, do I absolutely have to hold workshops?

No, you don't necessarily have to hold them. Some people participate with the goal of deepening their own learning. It's perfectly fine to utilize what you've learned at your own pace and in your own way.

Q5. Is there any follow-up after certification?

After certification, you can consult with us as needed. We hope to work together to address any questions or concerns that arise while you are actually conducting workshops.

Q6. I'm worried about the assignments. I'm concerned if I can do them properly.

The assignments are not evaluated solely on the level of completion. We value how you think and try to understand the material. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to consult us.