Engraving Courses – English Guide (For International Visitors)

About Little Moon Tokyo

Little Moon Tokyo is a small, family‑run engraving studio in a tucked‑away corner of Tokyo.
We value sincerity, precision, and an environment where each student can engage deeply with the craft.

The studio is run by Shinichi, a master engraver with decades of experience, together with his wife.
She serves as the studio’s demonstrator and support instructor.
Their partnership creates a warm and reassuring atmosphere.
Many students — including those traveling alone — appreciate this.

All courses are offered as semi‑private lessons, with a maximum of two students at a time.
This structure allows us to teach with exceptional depth and attention.
It also provides a setting where students can fully focus on their work.

Little Moon Tokyo studio interior Little Moon Tokyo engraving workspace

A studio designed for focused, hands‑on engraving practice.

Why Little Moon Tokyo?

We would like to share some of the qualities that make Little Moon Tokyo a meaningful place to learn engraving.

Learn from a Master Craftsman

Shinichi is known for his precise, expressive lines.
He has a deep understanding of Western‑style engraving.

Engraved watch case

Fine engraving work that reflects years of dedicated craftsmanship.

Original Scroll Theory

Little Moon Tokyo teaches a unique, structured theory of Western scroll design.
It forms the core foundation of our engraving curriculum.

Scrolls are the fundamental language of Western ornament.
Through them, students learn flow, structure, rhythm, and the use of negative space.

This theory is one of the few specialized systems of its kind.
It has drawn interest from engravers and metalworkers overseas.

Two‑Instructor System

Courses are taught by both the master engraver and the studio demonstrator.
This allows for clear demonstrations and attentive, individualized guidance.

Quiet, Sincere Environment

Our studio is peaceful and unhurried.
Students can focus deeply on the rhythm and philosophy of engraving.

Ideal for Students Traveling Alone

The warm, family‑run atmosphere helps students feel comfortable and welcome.
Many visitors feel at ease even when traveling alone.

From Beginners to Professionals

We teach students of all levels.
Our focus is on fundamentals, clean lines, and thoughtful practice.

A Rare Opportunity in Japan

Western‑style engraving is still uncommon in Japan.
Learning directly from a master in a semi‑private setting is a rare experience, even internationally.

Courses – Regular Program

Our engraving program is structured in three levels.
Each level has a set number of hours, and you may continue as far as you wish based on your goals.

The Regular Program is designed as a three‑stage curriculum that guides you from the fundamentals to more advanced expression.
You progress through the Standard, Advanced, and Professional levels, deepening your skills step by step.
In the Standard Course, you will focus on clean lines, stability, and the essential foundations of engraving.

Level 1 – Standard Course (50 hours)

A foundational course where you learn engraving step by step.
You will practice tool handling, clean line work, basic patterns, and the principles of form and composition.

Level 2 – Advanced Course (total 100 hours)

For students who want to deepen their technique and expression.
You will study refined line work, detailed patterns, and apply Shinichi’s scroll theory to your own designs.

Level 3 – Professional Course (total 150 hours)

For those aiming to create finished works with precision and clarity.
You will work on advanced scroll design, complex compositions, and techniques suitable for exhibitions or commissions.

Engraved Zippo lighter Engraved bangle

Examples of pieces created in the engraving courses.

How the Hours Work

Level 1 includes 50 hours.
To move to Level 2, you add another 50 hours (total 100).
To move to Level 3, you add another 50 hours (total 150).

You may choose to:

• Begin with 50 hours and add more later
• Or start with 100 or 150 hours from the beginning (these options offer a lower hourly rate)

Each level is independent. You may continue only if you wish to develop your skills further.

Study Rhythm & Progress

All courses can be taken at a pace that fits your schedule.
If you are staying in Japan for a longer period, you may take the lessons in a weekly rhythm, similar to our local students.
For short-term visitors, the schedule can also be arranged more intensively to match the dates of your stay.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss a study rhythm that works best for you.

As an advanced project, some students set a long-term goal of engraving refined scrollwork on wristwatches.
This work requires advanced control and precision, and creating a design that harmonizes across the entire watch takes time and steady practice.
Along with the lessons in the studio, consistent self-practice plays an important role in developing these skills.

Learning Pace

Progress varies from student to student. Your development depends on your approach, practice habits, and the time you spend working at home.
The hours represent the structure of each level, not a guaranteed skill level.

Introductory Session – Regular Program

This is a short, two‑hour introductory session for those who are new to Western hand engraving.
It is part of the Regular Program and is not a one‑day workshop.

In this quiet session, you will learn how to hold and use the tools, draw a simple scroll, and engrave basic lines.
It allows you to experience the first steps of engraving before deciding whether to begin the full program.

The cost is ¥8,800, and it becomes free if you decide to join the Regular Program afterward.

All sessions are one‑on‑one, and scheduling is flexible.

Fees – Regular Program

Level 1 — Standard (50 hours): ¥770,000
Level 2 — Advanced (total 100 hours): ¥1,430,000
Level 3 — Professional (total 150 hours): ¥1,980,000

Materials and consumables are charged separately when needed, depending on the program content.

Courses – Short‑Term Program

Our short‑term intensive programs are designed for travelers, international students, and those who wish to experience traditional hand‑engraving within a limited schedule.

Each program is conducted one‑on‑one or in a small setting.
This allows you to focus deeply and work at your own pace.

1. Scroll Basics Course – 3 Days

This course introduces the fundamentals of Western scroll design, with a focus on flow and balance.
It is a theory‑based program and does not include technical practice.

Scroll engraving practice

A quiet space to practice the fundamental cuts with calm focus.

This three‑day program offers an introduction to the structure and beauty of Western scrolls.
You will study flow, balance, rhythm, and negative space — the elements that shape the elegance of a scroll.

You will also be introduced to the foundational ideas behind Little Moon Tokyo’s original scroll theory.
This unique system has drawn interest from engravers and metalworkers overseas.

The course provides a clear starting point for understanding scroll design.
However, it does not guarantee the ability to draw scrolls independently within three days.

Tuition — ¥290,000
Duration — 3 days

2. Engraving Fundamentals Course – 5 Days

This course focuses on the essential technical skills of hand engraving.
It does not cover scroll drawing or scroll design.
If you wish to design and engrave your own Western scrolls,
we kindly recommend considering Course 1 as well.

Scroll engraving practice

Five days of focused practice, building the foundation of clean, confident engraving lines.

For those who are new to engraving, we recommend starting with the Engraving Fundamentals course.

This is a five‑day intensive program in Western hand engraving.
You will learn how to control the graver with stability and precision.
The practice begins with straight lines and curves.
From there, you will move toward two‑scroll engraving.

The program focuses on essential technical principles.
These are skills that are difficult to master through self‑study alone.
Each day builds the foundation needed for future improvement.

This program strengthens your fundamental skills.
However, it does not guarantee the ability to engrave two‑scroll designs independently within five days.

Tuition — ¥480,000
Duration — 5 days

3. Stainless Dog Tag Course – 5 Days

This course focuses on the technical aspects of engraving on stainless steel.
Scroll drawing and design are offered in a separate course.
If you wish to design and engrave your own scrolls,
we kindly recommend considering Course 1 as well.

Scroll engraving practice

A quiet space to practice the fundamental cuts with calm focus.

A five‑day program focused on engraving a stainless‑steel dog tag.
You will work with a professionally designed scroll pattern.
Stainless steel has a unique hardness and resistance.
You will learn how to handle these qualities through practical engraving.

You will develop control over depth, angle, rhythm, and shading.
Each step builds toward completing a finished piece.
The program includes test cuts, outline engraving, grounding, shading, and final finishing.

Progress differs for each student.
For this reason, completion of the entire design within five days cannot be guaranteed.

Tuition — ¥480,000
Duration — 5 days
One stainless dog tag blank is provided for use during the program.

Common Information for All Short‑Term Programs

Course Hours: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
A short break (about 30 minutes) is included.
If you need a different schedule, please feel free to let me know.

Fees – Short‑Term Program

¥50,000 for 3‑day programs
¥70,000 for 5‑day programs

Your reservation is confirmed once the deposit is received.
The deposit will be deducted from your total tuition on the first day of the program.
The remaining balance is paid on the first day. Credit card payments are accepted.

Additional material or consumable costs may be required depending on the program content.

How to Apply

To apply for any program, please contact us by email.
We will respond with the appropriate guidance based on your message.

You may also reach out via Instagram DM if that is more convenient for you.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Payment

All payments are made in Japanese Yen.
Tuition can be paid by credit card or in cash at the studio.

For short‑term programs, a deposit is required to secure your seat.
Details about the deposit are listed in each short‑term program section.

Contact

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
We welcome inquiries from students around the world.

Email: lockabilly@msn.com ✉️
Instagram: @littlemoon.tokyo Instagram

All designs and teaching materials are original works.
Please do not reproduce, copy, or use them for commercial purposes.

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