Canadian Stone Mason Joins Our Handmade Udon Workshop in Nara City — Learning Japanese Craftsmanship Through Food**

Today at Udon Shokunin Wa Seimensho in Nara City, we welcomed a very special guest to our Handmade Udon Cooking Class.
She is a professional stone mason from Canada, currently staying in Japan for three months to study traditional Japanese woodworking.
During her break from training, she visited our workshop to experience another form of Japanese craftsmanship — handmade udon.

Even though she speaks almost no Japanese, her determination to learn from Japanese artisans was truly inspiring.
Many people imagine that “craftsmen don’t speak English,” yet she stepped into our kitchen without hesitation.
Her curiosity, courage, and passion reminded us of the universal language shared by all makers.

In the class, she experienced:
• Kneading the dough by hand
• Stepping and pressing the dough in the traditional method
• Rolling and cutting the noodles with a real udon knife
• Cooking and tasting her freshly made udon

As a craftswoman, her questions were incredibly logical and detailed.
We found ourselves naturally giving deeper explanations, enjoying a kind of “craftsman-to-craftsman” conversation that crossed language barriers.

The final bowl of udon turned out beautifully — smooth, chewy, and full of character.
Her smile in the photos says everything.

If you’re visiting Nara, Shin-Omiya, or Nara Station and looking for an authentic cultural activity, our Handmade Udon Workshop is one of the most unique experiences in the area.
Perfect for travelers, families, and anyone who wants to touch the heart of Japanese craftsmanship.

We look forward to welcoming more curious creators from around the world.