Kin-Tsugi

The research project Kin-Tsugi aims to create an experience where the interconnections between mycelium, wood, and humans can be felt. The project name Kin-tsugi is a coined term combining Kin (菌, mycelium) and Tsugi (継ぎ, joinery), drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese repair technique kintsugi (金継ぎ), which restores broken ceramics using lacquer, transforming damage into new value. Similarly, this project explores new possibilities by integrating mycelium with wood.

This study focuses on the concept of “connection,” utilizing the natural growth of mycelium to bond pieces of wood together. As mycelium infiltrates the surface and interior of the wood, it forms a strong bond without the need for adhesives. By applying traditional Japanese joinery techniques, this project investigates the potential of integrating mycelium and wood into a unified structure. Furthermore, it considers the historical and cultural significance of joinery craftsmanship while exploring new approaches to sustainable making. Through this research, Kin-tsugi seeks to merge the organic binding properties of mycelium with the structural strength of joinery, fostering a new perspective on the relationship between humans, wood, and mycelium.