Who I Am
My name is Kentaro Takeda. I’m a carpenter, builder, and the voice behind Free and Handy. I was born in Japan and grew up surrounded by both Eastern craftsmanship and Western practicality.
Since 2012, I’ve worked as a contract carpenter, often in remote or rural areas, where logistics are tough and shortcuts don’t hold up. My workshop is wherever the project demands — and most of the time, that means far from convenience.
Notable Milestones
Built over 30 structures from the ground up, including off-grid homes in Japan’s mountainous regions and coastal recovery builds after natural disasters.
Restored a 120-year-old farmhouse in Nagano, now used as a working shop and learning space for young tradespeople.
Created toolkits and plans for first-time builders who’ve never picked up a drill — making craftsmanship approachable without dumbing it down.
Led small teams in post-typhoon rebuilding projects where every decision had to be both fast and thoughtful.
Designed and built custom furniture using only salvaged or local wood, helping reduce waste while honoring material history.
- Managed to pass on knife-sharpening basics to my daughter without bloodshed — a small but proud win.
My Mission
To keep the craft alive — not as nostalgia, but as practice. I believe making things with your hands is not just about tools; it’s about clarity, patience, and independence. My mission is to share what I know in a way that invites others to try, adapt, and think for themselves. If even one reader trades screen time for tool time, then this work is doing its job.
