About us
Winter in Lake Biwa
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Our Mission
Our Mission
Wadokei.jp is an international archive dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the rich history and intricate mechanisms of wadokei—traditional Japanese clocks developed during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Initially, this platform focuses on wall-mounted kake-dokei (掛時計). In the future, we plan to expand our scope to cover various other forms of traditional Japanese horology, including the iconic yagura-dokei (櫓時計)—the tower clocks set upon wooden tall stands designed to conceal the driving weights, which are frequently depicted in Japanese historical period dramas.
Beyond archival research, our mission includes handcrafting and offering these historical timepieces to horological enthusiasts, historians and anyone who fascinated by the unique culture and traditions of Japan.
Behind the Project
Managed by an experienced engineer and clock mechanism researcher based in Japan. Having served as a Shinkansen bullet train engineer for over 40 years, he made substantial contributions to the planning, design and testing of high-speed rail systems using cutting-edge technologies, specialising particularly in aerodynamic performance and noise reduction.
Furthermore, he was deeply involved in the development of international standards within ISO and IEC. As a Japanese delegate to ISO/TC 269/SC 2 (Railway—Rolling Stock—), he brings extensive expertise in establishing international railway standards.
Combining decades of engineering excellence with a lifelong passion for historical technology, this project bridges traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern precision engineering.
The Wadokei Project
In addition to this educational archive, we are currently designing and crafting handmade traditional Wadokei models. Future releases and updates will be announced on this site.
Where we are:
Located near the scenic shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.
Surrounded by beautiful nature—pure fresh water, lush forests, rice fields and vibrant wildlife—we bring traditional Japanese wadokei to enthusiasts passionate about Japanese culture, tradition, philosophy, technology and art around the world.
Our logo:
Having practiced calligraphy from a young age, my wife recently attained the rank of Shihan (Master Instructor). She designed our calligraphic logo, as well as the characters for the dial numbers, manufacturer’s name and address displayed on the clock.
Beautiful landscape of Lake Biwa in Ukiyo-e
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858)—celebrated worldwide for his iconic woodblock print series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō"—also captured the serene landscapes of Ōmi (the ancient name for Shiga Prefecture) in a renowned series of eight woodblock prints, known as the Eight Views of Ōmi.
Lingering Snow on Mount Hira (Hira no bosetsu), from the series “Eight Views of Ōmi Province (Ōmi hakkei) c. 1834
all of these prints are from the Art Institute of Chicago
Clearing Weather at Awazu (Awazu seiran 粟津青嵐)
Descending Geese at Katada (Katada rakugan 堅田落雁)
Autumn Moon over Ishiyama Temple(Ishiyama Shugetsu 石山秋月)
Evening Bell at Mii Temple (Mii bansho 三井晩鐘)
Night Rain at Karasaki Sunset Glow at Seta Returning Sails at Yabase
(Karasaki no yau 唐崎夜雨) (Seta sekisho 瀬田夕照) (Yabase kihan 矢橋帰帆)
Note : These classical prints celebrate the scenes of Ōmi and published to entice the people around Japan, especially Edo, however, Edo-period travelers rarely ventured beyond the southern shores near Kyoto. Consequently, the magnificently beautiful northern landscapes—where our project is based—were entirely overlooked by Hiroshige.......
Please visit the northern Lake Biwa area to enjoy its magnificent landscapes, rich nature and historic temples—especially the statues of Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of Compassion)—in Nagahama and throughout Shiga.
While Nagahama’s famous Dogan-ji渡岸寺 (Kogen-ji 向源寺) houses its National Treasure Eleven-Faced Kannon in a modern protective facility, countless other statues rest within humble village halls—such as Shakudo-ji 石道寺 and Keisoku-ji 鶏足寺—preserved by local communities for generations. Nestled in the quiet rural landscape, these sacred sites offer visitors an authentic and profoundly moving glimpse into Japan’s living heritage.
Dogan-ji Temple Keisoku-ji Temple Shakudo-ji Temple
The Floating Pavilion at Katata (Katata Ukimi-do 堅田浮御堂), 1918, by Ito Shinsui (1898–1972)
Courtesy of Honolulu Museum of Art Collections
Even after the Meiji Restoration, many artists continued to paint with deep respect for the traditions of the Edo period, laying the groundwork for modern Japanese painting.
Contact us:
For inquiries regarding Wadokei mechanisms, historical research or upcoming projects, please contact us via our inquiry form.
Inquiry
Inquiry
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