Tsubaki Lab Launches Online Video Course 'Woodturning Fundamentals' to Bridge Regional Learning Gaps in Craft Education

In August 2026, Tsubaki Lab LLC (Headquarters: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture; Representative Member: Koji Wada) launched the online video course "Woodturning Fundamentals" on its dedicated woodturning community website "TURNING TALK." This course enables systematic learning of woodturning through videos.

Since its founding in 2017, the company has focused on woodturning-specific businesses, including in-person lessons, shared workshops, sales of related machinery and tools, and information dissemination. Over 200 participants have attended the in-person lessons, with some traveling from distant regions to Gifu. At the same time, feedback such as "online information is overwhelming and disorganized," "I want to learn properly from the basics," and "I can't easily commute due to distance" has been received.

This course addresses these challenges faced by aspiring woodturners by moving foundational knowledge previously taught through in-person lessons and books online. It systematizes everything from selecting a wood lathe to tool usage, sharpening, and project creation into 10 sessions totaling approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes, providing a flexible learning environment accessible anytime, anywhere, and repeatable as needed.

Background of Service Launch – Expansion of Creator Economy and Personal Craftsmanship

Recently, the creator economy—where individuals share and sell their skills and creations—has expanded significantly. According to a survey by Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting and the Creator Economy Association, Japan's domestic market reached ¥2.0894 trillion in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of about 15.5% since 2021 (※1). Additionally, Japan's DIY market is projected to maintain a scale of approximately ¥4.013 trillion by 2025 (※2), indicating a large market surrounding individual creative activities and craftsmanship.

In woodworking, crafts utilizing lathes—such as wooden pens and wooden tableware—are increasingly popular, appreciated for their natural wood textures. Benchtop wood lathes suitable for home or garage use are now widely available, enabling individuals to engage in woodturning projects. The user base spans all genders and age groups, reflecting a growing interest among people seeking authentic lifestyles drawn to handmade woodcraft using natural materials.

However, a wood lathe is a machine that shapes rotating wood at high speed using cutting tools, requiring proper knowledge and technique for safe operation—including correct tool positioning, angles, hand movements, tool type selection, and sharpening methods. Yet, specialized schools offering systematic, beginner-level wood lathe education remain limited nationwide (※3). Depending on one’s location, learners may need to travel long distances to access professional instruction, creating barriers to entry. While abundant information exists online, organizing it independently and mastering skills in a structured, step-by-step manner remains challenging.

Purpose of the Online Video Course – Addressing High Demand and Regional Learning Disparities

Since 2017, Tsubaki Lab has worked to build an ecosystem for woodturning—"learn, use, continue"—through in-person lessons, operating a membership-based shared woodshop, selling lathes, tools, and accessories, YouTube content, and managing specialized events and community platforms.

Its in-person lessons, attended by over 200 people cumulatively, have addressed common self-taught struggles such as "information overload online," "lack of solutions when stuck using trial-and-error methods," and "desire to learn fundamentals properly." Attendees have come from across Japan, including remote areas like Hokkaido, Kyushu, and the Ogasawara Islands, highlighting strong demand.

At the same time, many expressed interest but cited difficulties in attending due to distance. To address the lack of accessible local instruction and the difficulty of self-directed, systematic skill acquisition, Tsubaki Lab is now digitizing the knowledge and techniques previously shared through in-person lessons and publications. To reach more learners, it launches an online video course that is independent of location and time, allowing repeated access whenever needed.

Service Details – Comprehensive Instruction for Absolute Beginners

The "Woodturning Fundamentals" course is based on the company’s in-person "4-Day Woodturning Course" and the book "The Woodturning Textbook" authored by representative Koji Wada. Learners progress through 10 sessions covering everything from lathe selection, tool names, cutters, and sharpening to making small plates, bowls, and bread trays.

Techniques difficult to convey through text or photos—such as tool placement and hand movements—are explained using multiple camera angles and diagrams. Videos can be rewatched indefinitely, allowing users to revisit unclear sections during practice. The course content aligns with "The Woodturning Textbook," enabling deeper understanding through combined reading and viewing. Moreover, if anything remains unclear after watching, learners can ask instructors directly within the site’s community forum.

The course provides an environment where beginners can systematically learn fundamentals, verify movements through video, and clarify doubts with instructors—making sustained self-learning in woodturning possible.

50% Off Promotion Until End of September 2026

To commemorate the launch, the "Woodturning Fundamentals" course will be offered at 50% off its regular price of ¥39,600 (tax included)—now just ¥19,800 (tax included)—until Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

- Course Name: Woodturning Fundamentals - Content: 10 sessions - Total Video Duration: 3 hours 37 minutes - Format: Online - Regular Price: ¥39,600 (tax included) - Launch Special Price: ¥19,800 (tax included) [50% off] - Campaign Period: Until September 30, 2026 - Platform: Woodturning-dedicated community site "TURNING TALK"

Future Plans

As the first installment, the "Woodturning Fundamentals" course will be followed by additional online lessons teaching advanced woodturning techniques and project creation.

Furthermore, Tsubaki Lab aims to enhance "TURNING TALK" beyond a mere video-viewing platform—transforming it into a space where members apply what they’ve learned, ask questions, and share knowledge and experiences with fellow woodturning enthusiasts.

By connecting real-world learning from in-person lessons, books, shared workshops, and events with online offerings, the company strives to create an environment where anyone, regardless of location or prior experience, can safely and sustainably enjoy woodturning for years to come.