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From August 12 to August 21, the Taichung Architectural Culture and Education Foundation hosted the event “Kung Tung Technical Senior High School × Tokushima Woodcraft Artisan Cross‑Cultural Exchange” at Feng Chia University. The opening ceremony, held yesterday (August 12), was attended by Chairperson Cheng‑Shu Kao of the Foundation (also Chairperson of Feng Chia University), Vice‑Chairperson Lily Chang (Chairperson of Long‑Bon Construction), Vice‑Chairperson Shwu‑Ting Lee (Vice‑President of Feng Chia University), board members, President Wang, Wei of Feng Chia University, Principal Kung‑Jung Lee of Kung Tung Technical Senior High School, and Futoshi Wakida, Section Chief of the Tokushima Prefectural Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Chairperson Cheng‑Shu Kao (left) presents a commemorative gift on behalf of the Taichung Architectural Culture and Education Foundation to Principal Kung‑Jung Lee of Kung Tung Technical Senior High School.
During his remarks, Chairperson Cheng‑Shu Kao emphasized that the Foundation is dedicated to supporting Taiwan’s architectural industry. In addition to allocating NT$1.5 million for this workshop, the Foundation also donated an additional NT$400,000 scholarship fund to Kung Tung students—encouraging them to pursue excellence and give back to society.
Vice‑Chairperson Lily Chang noted that the most beautiful landscape in a school is when “big fish lead small fish,” symbolizing the strength of learning together.
President Wang, Wei expressed heartfelt appreciation, describing the gathering as a touching reunion of students, teachers, and alumni from both institutions.
Principal Kung‑Jung Lee thanked the Foundation for its support, stating that the school will continue its mission of “taking from society and giving back to society.”
Section Chief Futoshi Wakida specially prepared cedar wood spheres from Tokushima as gifts, inviting students to experience the warmth and fragrance of natural Japanese timber.
Group photo from the cross‑cultural woodcraft workshop between Kung Tung Technical Senior High School and Tokushima artisans. (Front row, third from left: Executive Director Peng‑Hsien Shih, Vice‑Chairperson Lily Chang, Vice‑Chairperson Shwu‑Ting Lee, Chairperson Cheng‑Shu Kao, and Principal Kung‑Jung Lee.)
Master Craftsmen from Japan Join Forces with Taiwanese Woodcraft Education
Kung Tung Technical Senior High School is renowned for its long‑standing excellence in woodcraft education, having nurtured countless talented artisans in Taiwan. To carry on the essence of craftsmanship and encourage young people to pursue their dreams, the Foundation invited Japan’s nationally recognized shikumi (joinery) masters Keiji Tominaga and Toshiteru Yamaguchi to instruct students.
They joined instructors from the School of Architecture at Feng Chia University, faculty members from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, FCU EMBA alumni, and Foundation board members as workshop mentors.
Kung Tung student Chen Po‑Chen expressed excitement, especially for the hands‑on woodworking sessions, hoping to enhance his craftsmanship and creativity. Student Yang Chung‑Yao shared that completing a large piece collaboratively would be challenging, yet he hoped to break through technical barriers and grow through the ten‑day workshop.
Passing Down the Spirit of “Shikumi” Craftsmanship
“Shikumi” is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique that uses no nails, relying solely on wooden joinery.
Japanese master artisan Keiji Tominaga, known for over 40 years of dedication and his philosophy of “Never Give Up, Keep Moving Toward Your Dreams,” will personally teach the making of a shoji door panel on August 16.
Students will learn everything from solid wood selection and design planning, to joinery carving and the delicate process of attaching Japanese paper—all embodying the legacy and spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.
In addition to collaborating with Kung Tung students, Tominaga will also participate in the School of Architecture’s annual review at Feng Chia University on August 20, offering valuable critiques and guidance to students.
Craftsmanship, Sustainability, and Cultural Innovation
The Taichung Architectural Culture and Education Foundation stated that this international exchange aims to bring students closer to the essence of traditional woodworking while inspiring creativity and exploring the endless possibilities of innovative design.
The workshop’s use of natural materials aligns with sustainable development principles, fostering low‑carbon awareness and encouraging participants to reconnect with nature, culture, and local heritage.
Through this experience, the Foundation hopes to cultivate a new generation of Taiwanese craftsmen—those who embrace artisanal spirit while caring deeply about environmental responsibility.
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