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.

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 & Fees

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.

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.

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.

Engraved Zippo lighter Engraved bangle

Examples of pieces created using the techniques taught in the Standard Course.

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.

Trial Lesson

This introductory session is for those new to Western hand engraving.
You will learn in a quiet space, starting from how to hold and use the tools.

You will try drawing a simple scroll and engraving basic lines.
In about two hours, you can experience the first steps of engraving.

The cost is ¥8,800, and it becomes free if you decide to join a full course afterward.

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

Fees (in Japanese Yen)

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 course content.

Short‑Term Courses

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

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

Scroll Basics (3 days)
Scroll engraving practice

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

This is a three‑day course focused on Western scroll design.
You will learn how scrolls are structured and how their beauty is created.

You will study flow, balance, rhythm, and negative space.
These elements shape the elegance of a scroll.

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

Tuition: ¥290,000  Duration: 3 days

Engraving Fundamentals (5 days)
Engraving fundamentals 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 course 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 course 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 course 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

Stainless Dog Tag Course (5 days)
Dog tag engraving practice

Each line is engraved with calm focus, shaping the stainless‑steel dog tag step by step.

A five‑day course 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 course 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 course.

Common Information for All Courses

Course Hours: 9:30–14:00
A short break (about 30 minutes) is included.
If you need a different schedule, please feel free to let me know.

Payment for Short‑Term Courses

A non‑refundable deposit is required to secure your seat.

• ¥50,000 for 3‑day courses
• ¥70,000 for 5‑day courses

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

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

How to Apply

To apply for any course, 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 courses, a deposit is required to secure your seat.
Details about the deposit are listed in each short‑term course 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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