SUIZAN’s First Report from the Texas Woodworking Festival
This past September 13–14, 2025, SUIZAN made its debut at the Texas Woodworking Festival held in Austin, Texas!
Far from Japan, we spent two unforgettable days connecting with local woodworkers and sharing the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. We’ve put together a VLOG to capture all the excitement.
Why Texas? Our Unchanging Mission
This exhibition was a bold step to embody our mission:
“To refine the value of ‘Made in Japan’ by connecting tradition and innovation, and delivering Japanese craftsmanship to the world.”
Digital platforms alone can’t fully convey the sharpness, beauty, and soul of Japanese saws—the craftsmanship behind them can only truly be appreciated in person. That’s why we brought SUIZAN to Texas.
From a Rocky Start to a Buzzing Booth
Our journey began with unexpected hurdles: record-breaking rainfall delayed our flight from Japan, and we missed our connection in Seattle, enduring a six-hour layover. Honestly, we wondered if we’d make it at all!
But the moment we arrived at the venue, the energy of the festival and the warm smiles of visitors swept away our fatigue.
One of the biggest highlights at our booth was the “SUIZAN Grand Raffle,” designed to evoke the fun of a Japanese festival. Guests spun the wheel, and when someone won a SUIZAN saw, the sound of the bell rang out and smiles spread across the crowd.
We also hosted a hands-on demo area where visitors could try every product. For many, it was their first time experiencing a Japanese pull saw, and we guided them through the unique “pull-cutting” technique. Others compared different models, asking, “Which one is right for me?”—giving us the chance to explain each saw’s features in detail.
Even with language and cultural differences, the joy of using a truly excellent tool is universal. It was a powerful reminder for us.
Our Greatest Takeaway: People
We were deeply inspired by Texas woodworkers—their genuine passion for their craft and their respect for Japanese tools. We went to share our products, but instead we came home enriched by countless meaningful conversations and insights:
“When are you coming back to the U.S.?”
“What’s the secret to using this saw?”
“I want to buy this product!”
“Please come visit my woodworking class.”
Every one of these exchanges has become a treasure for us, and they’ve shown us the vast potential of our future in the U.S. market.
Thank You, Texas! See You Again Soon
We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who welcomed us so warmly—Texas woodworkers, festival organizers, and all those who supported us from Japan. This incredible experience will fuel us as we continue delivering the value of “Made in Japan” to people around the world.
And we’re thrilled to share some great news: SUIZAN will be back at the Texas Woodworking Festival in 2026! We’re already preparing an even bigger, better experience for next year and can’t wait to see you all again in Texas.
