Washitsu Course -FUSUMA- 2026
Discover Beautiful Japanese Moving Walls in Berlin & Düsseldorf
Japanese sliding walls are known as fusuma.
They are sliding doors, walls, and also works of art.
Though made only of delicate wood and washi paper, well-crafted fusuma can last for more than a century.
This workshop offers a hands-on experience where you can explore some of the materials and techniques used to create fusuma.
If you are interested in incorporating elements of traditional Japanese rooms or their design ideas into your future living space, you will surely gain plenty of inspiration.
We invite you to join this enjoyable workshop, where you can learn about Japanese interiors while asking questions and exchanging ideas.
Japanese Sliding Doors: Beautiful Moving Walls
Eco-friendly, convenient and flexible Japanese sliding doors.
Fusuma are an essential feature of traditional Japanese rooms. This in-depth workshop focuses specifically on these ‘moving walls’.
Using authentic washi paper, you will create a small panel yourself whilst learning about the hidden materials and their functions. We will discuss design ideas with participants and explore new possibilities for fusuma in Europe.
Content
- The History and Culture of Fusuma
- Materials and Structure
- The Difference Between Shoji and Fusuma
- Sliding Doors as Art
- About Authentic Washi Paper
- How to Apply Fusuma Paper
- Fusuma Designs
Course Flow
- Understanding Japanese sliding doors: ‘Fusuma and Shoji’ (15 mins)
- Learning about the materials and structure of fusuma (15 mins)
- Fusuma and Shoji design workshop (30 mins)
- Presentations and discussion (30 mins)
Break – (15 mins) - Workshop: Hanging Fusuma (60 mins)
- Presentations and Discussion (15 mins)
Participation Information
The fee includes all materials and instruction. You can take home your handmade fusuma panel (27 cm square).
1. Berlin
| Date | Saturday, May 30, 2026 13:00–16:00 (3 hours) |
| Venue | Möbelrestaurierung Engeldamm |
| Engeldamm 26 Berlin 10179 | |
| Language | English (Interpreter: Emi Shinmura) / Japanese |
| Capacity | 5 people |
| Fee | 100€ |
2. Düsseldorf
| Date | Sunday, June 7, 2026 13:00–16:00 (3 hours) |
| Venue | Maschinendorf |
| Birkenstraße 23, 40233 Düsseldorf | |
| Language | German (Interpreter: Miki Takahashi) / Japanese |
| Capacity | 5 people |
| Fee | 100€ |
For registrations and questions, please send an email with the following information:
Desired course: 1.Berlin or 2.Düsseldorf
Name:
Contact:
Location:
Occupation:
Questions:
Reserve by EmailPhotos may be taken during the lecture and may be published later on the website.
Lead Instructor
Rieko Uchida / Morizo- Architecture Design
Certified First-Class Architect in Japan
In 1996, I founded the architectural office Morizo-, where I handle designs and supervision for residential, commercial, and public buildings. From 2018 to 2020, I lived in Berlin and continue to strive to develop architectural designs that combine Japanese traditions with European culture.
Message
In Japan, traditional tatami rooms (washitsu) are steadily disappearing, despite the many merits they possess. Because there are limited opportunities to encounter and learn about them, this decline continues further.
I aim to address this issue by communicating the value of tatami rooms to both domestic and international audiences, and by creating opportunities to envision washitsu adapted to contemporary contexts. I will continue this series of washitsu lectures with the intention of fostering a network of enthusiasts and future successors of washitsu culture.
In the long term, I also envision programs where participants can travel to Japan and engage in lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiences of Japanese culture within actual tatami rooms. By sharing ideas with participants, I hope to contribute to the preservation and transmission of washitsu culture, as well as the craftsmanship and regional production of materials that support it.
– Rieko Uchida
Cooperation Partners
Individual Offers (Available in Any Region)
For further questions or special requests, we are happy to assist you.
Individual Workshops
from €1000
- Planning and conducting customized workshops according to your wishes.
- Collaborations are possible. Please contact us for details.
On-Site Consultation
from €100
- Consultation based on the inspection of your rooms.
- Duration about 1 hour, plus travel and translation costs.
Idea Proposals
from €400
- Simple measurements
- Consultation
- Concept proposals
- Visualization (plans, sketches, etc.)
Washitsu Design
from €3300
- Floor plan/design planning
