Transform Your Perspective. Preserve History.

April 7, 2026

As a licensed immigration lawyer, I have established this project to preserve the very soul of Kyoto. architecture together?”

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As a project led by a Certified Administrative Scrivener (Immigration Lawyer) and former Kyoto Prefectural Government official... ” “Full Visa Sponsorship:. Expert handling of your visa application...” “Complete Life Support:. Comprehensive assistance with local registration, housing, and community integration.

🏠 The Mission: Beyond Restoration

Kyoto's iconic Machiya (traditional townhouses) are more than buildings; they are living masterpieces of sustainable architecture.
However, we are facing a major crisis... Many Machiya are lost through external capital development, their value unappreciated.

A sense of urgency that ‘the very soul of Kyoto may disappear’ is what gave birth to this project.

Our project invites you to move beyond being a tourist. You will work side-by-side with local masters, using original tools and sustainable materials to You will work side-by-side with local masters, using original tools and sustainable materials to breathe new life into Kyoto's historical landscape.

🛠 What You Will Experience

Master the “Art of Wood”:. Intensive, hands-on OJT (On-the-Job Training) in traditional Japanese carpentry, including intricate joinery (Sashimono) and clay wall techniques.
Authentic Living:. Reside in a beautifully restored Machiya, experiencing the “Kyoto lifestyle” firsthand as a member of the local community.
Cross-Cultural Innovation: A New Way of Innovation Share your North American perspective to help us develop a new, “Hybrid Tradition” that resonates globally.
Certification: (1) Receive a formal “Certificate of Traditional Craftsmanship Training”.” upon completion to bolster your professional portfolio.

⚖️ Professional Legal Support

Navigating Japanese immigration can be daunting. Certified Administrative Scrivener (Immigration Lawyer) and former Kyoto Prefectural Government official, we provide:.

Full Visa Sponsorship:. Expert handling of your “Specified Skilled Worker” (Tokutei Gino) or relevant visa.
Life Support: Life Support Comprehensive assistance with local registration, housing, and community integration.
Career Pathing: Guidance on long-term residency or professional pathways within the Japanese architectural industry.

Kyo-machiya Fellowship 🔍 Transform Your Craft.

We welcome students and professionals from any field (e.g., Design, Sustainability, Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Business).
We are not just a place to teach... ‘Hybrid Tradition’... where Kyoto's techniques and We are not just a place to teach... ”Hybrid Tradition'... where Kyoto's techniques and the perspectives of North America's youth mix."

📅 How to Apply

Be part of the first generation of International Machiya Craftsmen.

Visit our English portal:. https://matsutani-gyosei.com/alex_visa/en/passing-down-tradition-to-the-future/
Submit your portfolio or a brief statement of interest.
Interview:. Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with our project lead, Motoyasu Matsutani.

“Tradition is not just about preserving the past; it's about creating the future together.”

Ready to Save Kyoto's Tradition?.

This is not just an internship; it's a lifetime commitment to cultural preservation and your own professional transformation. We are looking for the first generation of International Kyo-machiya Fellows to build the future with us.

If you have a genuine passion for Japanese culture and a desire to make a real-world impact, we want to hear from you. No prior carpentry experience is required.

⚖️ Your Journey, Legally Secured

As a project led by a Licensed Immigration Lawyer, Your path to Kyoto is clear and legally secure.

Book a Free Legal Consultation

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