Kintsugi Apprenticeship for Beginners
About the program
POJ Studio’s two-month intensive program. Study to practice and share the craft of kintsugi repair with the world through our 150-hour apprenticeship in Kyoto.
As a graduate, you will create a strong foundation as an educator and ambassador to foster the kintsugi practice in your community. The Kintsugi Apprentice Program ensures that you are armed with the logic, philosophy, traditional tools, natural materials, and historical and cultural context that are at the heart of the authentic Japanese tableware restoration technique.
When
The Kintsugi Apprentice Program is a 150-hour apprenticeship that takes place over two months in Kyoto.
Upcoming Terms*:
- Summer 2025 (Jun 17 - Aug 12)
- Autumn 2025 (Sep 16 - Nov 11)
*Dates are subject to change.
Program details
Apply via the link below if the program interests you!
For who?
The program is suited for those who are interested in:
- sustainable and regenerative traditional Japanese crafts
- heritage repair and restoration practices
- urushi lacquerware technique and history
- urushi trees and the ecosystem surrounding it
- Japanese philosophy and aesthetic sensibilities behind kintsugi
- learning about Japanese tableware: ceramics, porcelain, glassware, wood, and lacquerware,
- incorporating kintsugi into their practice
- teaching kintsugi in their home country
What does it include?
150 hours of kintsugi education with thorough practical kintsugi-repair training, specifically around the repair of ceramic and porcelain pieces
Field trips to visit key people and places behind kintsugi-repair to properly study:
- tableware
- tool making
- natural materials
- environmental impact
- food culture
Two months accommodations. Fully furnished private studio apartments inclusive of workspace, kitchenette, toilet, bath/shower, washing machine. Utilities and internet are also included. Conveniently located approx. 10 mins by bicycle to POJ Studio.
Alumni online community, a place to connect, share, support with other likeminded apprentices and the POJ Studio team.
What is the application process?
The application process will proceed as the following:
- Complete the application form.
- We will contact you to schedule a video interview.
- We will assess your full application and interview internally.
- Welcome you to Kyoto to begin your apprenticeship!
Testimonials & Impressions
Hear directly from the alumni of the past terms about their experience with us.
What is the enrollment fee?
WINTER 2025
- 12,000 USD early application by 2024 Sep 1
- 13,500 USD standard application by 2024 Nov 15
SPRING 2025
- 12,000 USD early application by 2024 Dec 1
- 13,500 USD standard application by 2025 Jan 1
SUMMER 2025
- 12,000 USD early application by 2025 Feb 1
- 13,500 USD standard application by 2025 May 1
AUTUMN 2025
- 12,000 USD early application by 2025 May 1
- 13,500 USD standard application by 2025 Jul 1
Information about terms beyond Autumn 2025 will be shared later.
Apply today
To become a Kintsugi Apprentice, click below to complete the form. We will review your application and get back to you as we possible.
Accomodation for apprentices
Stay in our fully furnished private studio, inclusive of workspace, kitchenette, toilet, bath/shower, washing machine, utilities and internet.
FAQ
Payment is due in full within 14 days of acceptance into the Kintsugi Apprentice Program.
We request enrollment fees to be paid via direct bank transfer.
Once payment is made, cancellations are possible until one month prior to the start of the term, however a cancellation fee of 4000 USD will be incurred. Thereafter, the enrollment fee is fully non-refundable and non-transferable.
Should there be any global pandemic-related border restrictions to Japan, or lock-downs, we will be in touch to suggest date changes, or 100% of the enrollment fee will be refunded less transfer fees.
You can also organize your own accommodation. However, we are unable to provide a discount on the enrollment fee.
All classes and experiences are conducted in English.
While very competitive, we do consider enrollment at a subsidized rate in some cases. Please contact education@pojstudio.com to share why you are interested in the Kintsugi Apprentice Program, why a subsidized enrollment rate would make a difference for you, and we will respond with further information should your profile be a match.
The apartments we provide are studio apartments for one person, but can be shared if your partner would like to stay at the same apartment for an additional USD 400 per month.
Once the application period has ended, the application process takes about one month.
We do not offer this program for one month due to the nature of the repair and curing process. Details on this and more can be found here.
Free time is built in to the program schedule to advocate day trips and quick overnight trips to further explore Japan and Japanese culture.
Urushi, the sap of the urushi tree, is the base material of authentic kintsugi-repair using all natural ingredients. It is what makes this tableware restoration technique antipest, antiviral, antibacterial, and so durable. Not to mention, 100% food safe.
The urushi tree is the cousin of mango, cashew, and poison ivy. As a result, some people fear working with urushi. Like poison ivy, it does indeed contain a compound called urushiol that can cause minor skin irritation to a more severe allergic reaction, depending on the individual.
Learn more about urushi here.
This is case by case but certainly can be discussed. Whether a single payment or installments, in most cases, full payment must by made at least one month before the term begins.