Pride as a shrine carpenter and the challenge of representing Japan

Wakamatsu Shaji Co., Ltd.'s mission is to connect Japan's traditional culture to the future through shrine and temple architecture. Based in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, the company operates nationwide and internationally.

Representative Kenta Watanabe, despite being hearing impaired, trained as a shrine carpenter and founded the company seven years ago. He has also honed his skills as an architect, and handles everything from shrine and temple architecture to construction.

Watanabe has recently been selected to represent Japan in the Greco-Roman wrestling (60kg class) competition at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. Taking on the challenges of both traditional architecture and international sport aligns with our philosophy of "connecting skills and hearts."

A ceremony to mark the completion of the new main hall will be held on October 5, 2025, at Kanshoji Temple in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. Watanabe designed and constructed this main hall, and on that day we will also be announcing his selection as a member of the Japanese team.

In response to requests from both within Japan and overseas, Watanabe is currently working on shrine and temple architecture in Korea as well. We hope that the activities of Wakamatsu Shrine and Temple, which preserve traditions while spreading their skills and spirit across borders, will be an encouragement to everyone.