Japan Temari Association Information

Membership and Certification in The Japan Temari Association

(For general and travel information about the Japan Temari Association (Tokyo, Japan) - click here)

       Traditional Temari crafting is preserved and promoted by the Japan Temari Association, which functions as the certifying school for temari (please follow the link and read about how the Japanese process works). Participation in the JTA can be by Joining Member, as well as applying for Certification Licenses (there are four levels of craftsmanship that are examined for). As of September 2007, the process and requirements are as follows (with thanks to Ai M.) - see also the information page on Ten Temari site:

        One first must apply as a Joining Member to the JTA. There is an Entrance/Application Fee, as well as an Annual Membership Fee (all fees are summarized below). You may apply for membership and join at any time during the calendar year but, the JTA fiscal year runs April 1 through March 31. Therefore, all annual dues come due in March for the year about to being April 1 so regardless of when initial membership is processed, all subsequent membership dues are required to be paid in March for the membership year about to begin April 1. (For example, if you join in November, you will pay the Application fee and Membership fee in November. That will expire March 31 regardless, and you will pay the next Annual dues in March which will then run for a full membership year of April 1 through March 31.)

         Licenses may then be applied for as follows (either actual temari or photographs may be submitted as defined), required temari for Honka 25 cm circumference maris; temari for Koutouka, Shihan and Kyoujyu may have more freedom in size. To apply for certification you must be taught or sponsored by a certified JTA member of the Shihan level or higher. The deadline for submitting application to the JTA is May 31; judging occurs during June. Applicants are notified during July whether they passed, and are delivered of their certificates in later July or August, through their sponsoring teacher.

Introductory Level (1) / Honka: One 4 Simple Divide Temari, stitched in Squares (Masu Kagari); One 6 Simple Divide stitched in Hexagon and Tri-Wing (Mitsubane); One 8 Simple Divide stitched in a concurrent North-South Pole pattern (Jyouge Douji) (concurrent NS means stitching at North and South poles with threads crossing the equator, but stitches are not taken at the equator. Shapes stitched around the equator are not acceptable for this requirement. One Simple 12 Divide stitched in Uwagake Chidori, Kiku Design, with obi. Temari should be 25 cm (+/-) in size. Photos may be submitted rather than actual temari. The main points of this level of certification is to test your skill in preparing maris, simple divisions, basic stitching technique and basic stitch patterns.

Advanced Level (2) / Koutouka: One must submit both the Temari (or photographs) as well as pattern instructions that includes completed photo, stitching diagrams and verbal instructions for 3 Combination 8 Divide Temari patterns AND 3 Combination 10 Divide Temari patterns. These not need be original/creative patterns - they may be reinterpreted from other sources but it must be your own newly done diagram, verbal instructions and stitched temari/photo (not verbatim, digitally or mechanically copied from the source). There is no size requirement or restriction. The main points of this level of certification are to ascertain the understanding of design composition, the ability to record and communicate how to execute the designs, as well as executing, stitching and symmetry on Combination Divides; all of these build upon the skills learned in Level 1.

Master/Teacher Level (3) / Shihan (may only be applied for at least two years after obtaining Koutouka (level 2) certification as well as considered worthy, based on exhibited experience/skill and overall number of temari made in study lifetime): One must submit 3 original design Temari (actual temari, not photos) along with diagrams and verbal instructions, AND photos, diagrams and verbal instructions of 5 other creative/original temari (diagrams are absolutely not required with these five but, may be included and will help with the translation process). All must be of excellent quality, and show a wide repertoire of skill in terms of divisions (simple through many-face/pole), patterns, etc. There is no size requirement or restriction. (To clarify, "original" in this context means not following prescribed, step by step directions to create the entire temari; rather, it is used to mean your own personal composition, "creative, showing your own style", with your own "twist" and inspiration", rather than replicating previously shown, seen or published temari designs. You may include elements of temari that have inspired you, but not simply replicate them in their entirety (only changing colors or size is not fulfilling the requirement of creative. "Original" in these requirements is not being used in the legal, copyright context.). The major thrust of this level of examination is to test depth of knowledge of the student's collective skills: understanding of verbal terminology, ability to clearly communicate techniques to others, and a deep grasp and respect of the traditional techniques of temari, combined with your ability to use them in creating temari. This level is obviously the most rigorous test, for clear reasons - this is your "teacher's license". In Japan, you are only entitled to teach and call yourself a teacher/master under JTA tradition/qualification after attaining this level of certification.

Professor Level (4) / Kyoujyu (may only be applied for with at least another three years of study after Shihan (level 3) certification, as well as being considered worthy by your teacher): One must submit 6 original design temari, including the actual temari, photos, diagrams and verbal instructions.There is no size requirement or restriction. A higher degree of originality is required than Level 3 Shihan; all temari must be of excellent quality.

        For those aspiring to Level 3 and 4, some or all of the actual temari (rather than only photos) must be sent to Japan for examination judging; they are not be returned to you. Rather, these temari are retained and used by the JTA at their discretion for purposes as they see fit. These may include (but are not limited to) exhibition in the Japan Temari Association Museum displays in Tokyo (they are rotated weekly), inclusion in traveling exhibitions that the JTA provides to various locations and purposes, and also to be sold in the JTA Museum Shop for the benefit & support of the JTA.

        The present day JTA still incorporates relaxed elements of the traditional apprentice system as do all schools of arts and practices in Japan. Indeed, one must have been studying for a year or more under a licensed JTA teacher in Japan before applying for certificates, and it is estimated/expected that the applicant will have completed about 40 to 50 different temari in this time. After after successful completion of Honka and Koutouka levels (1& 2), one must continue to study and practice at least an additional two years before earning the privilege of applying for Shihan, and have made an estimated/expected 80 to 100 different temari since beginning their initial study of temari. Applying for Kyuojyu requires at least an additional 3 years after Shihan, adding up to a total of 6 years or more of study with at least 100 temari designs having been made. Both are also contingent upon earning the invitation/recommendation of your teacher to apply for examination. The process of certification levels is a common one in Japan

        Only Shihan and higher JTA members are recognized as Teachers/Masters and thus, eligible to teach temari in Japan. In the West, this would mean that before offering temari classes or lessons at any level, one should have been studying and practicing temari at least three years, completed at least 80 different temari, and be capable of working simple, complex and multi-face/multi-pole divisions and related designs. Under no circumstances can someone teach using the JTA name or credentials until Level 3 / Shihan has been passed.

Fees for joining and certification in the JTA are as follows (amounts in Yen, with approximate US dollar conversions):

JTA Entrance Fee (one time fee upon joining): 2000 Yen / $20.00 (approx)
Annual Membership Fee (payable upon application and each year by March 31): Levels 1-3: 3,000 Yen / $30.00 (approx)
Annual Membership Fee (payable upon application and each year by March 31): Level 4: 5,000 Yen / $50.00 (approx)

All JTA members receive a JTA Membership card

Honka Application Fee: 4000 Yen / $40.00
Koutouka Application Fee: 6000 Yen / $60.00
Shihan Application Fee: 20,000 Yen / $200.00 (3000 Yen/$30.00 is charged at the time of application; remainder is due upon successful judging)
Kyoujyu Application Fee: 40,000 Yen / $400.00 (6000 Yen/$60.00 is charged at the time of application; remainder is due upon successful judging)

Upon successful judging and awarding of licenses, certificates are awarded to licensed members.

Remittance of JTA fees are final - with the exceptions noted on Shihan and Kyoujyu levels for partial fee payment,
there is no refund or cancellation of JTA fees if the judging standards are not passed.

It should also be noted that, should you allow annual membership to lapse and you wish to reactivate it - for example, if you attain early levels of certification, and then do not maintain your annual dues but then later wish to continue for higher levels of licensing, there is a flat fee 20,000yen (approx $200.00US) reinstatement fee charged by the JTA. This covers back dues (it is not prorated based on the number of years you lapsed in membership dues), and the record revisions needed to bring you back into active status in the JTA. TemariKai news will make good effort to add an annual JTA Dues reminder into Temarikai News early in March each year in cooperation with Ai sending renewal statements to each person but, in the end, maintaining your membership and dues is each member's responsibility.

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       Applying to the JTA: Starting in 2005 it became possible for Temarikai readers outside of Japan to join and apply for JTA licenses. We have been most fortunate to come to know and work together with Ai Mizuta, a certified Kyoujyu level JTA Member/Temari Master. Lynne Dare (Vancouver, BC Canada) and I were asked by Ai to join and apply for certification with the JTA in May of 2005, as the process was developed and tested to allow non-Japanese speaking temari crafters the opportunity become certified (Levels 1 and 2 were successfully accomplished). It was also the JTA's decision to continue to allow submissions through qualified teachers that are not in residence. Those wishing to join and apply may do so through submission of required materials with Ai as your translator (and depending on level, tutor and the sponsoring JTAinstructor). Please continue reading to see how the process works - the call for applicants each year is arranged with Ai at her request and convenience, so please respect her for that.

        While it usually meant submitting actual temari (and upper level exams do require actual temari), photos of very good digital quality of completed temari showing the required skills, as well as MSWord or PDF files of the supporting documents (as required per level) will be accepted. In addition to the JTA fees listed above, translation and expense fees will be added by Ai for her services in sponsoring you as an applicant (it's a JTA requirement that you be taught or sponsored by an existing JTA member of Shihan or higher level), and preparing your documents in Japanese. Expense fees include: translating/processing your membership application or annual renewal, with an annual mailing of your JTA membership card and two issues of the JTA Newsletter; having photographic and document prints made from digital submissions, pattern translations to Japanese, tutoring/correction (if required) on your submissions, license application preparation/translation, mailing/postage fees within Japan to the JTA, return mailing of your certificates, and PayPal fees.

    Since we began working with Ai, there have been several Temarikai crafters that have progressed through the ranks and earned Shihan or Kyoujyu certification. Beginning in 2009, these TemariKai folks will work with you through the TemarKai JTA Mentor & Discuss Yahoo Group, and one of us will serve as your sponsoring teacher for submission (review your work, gather your materials and fees and forward to Ai). Ai will do the translation of your application materials as needed and deliver your materials to the JTA for examination. Level 3 and Level 4 appliers will continue to work directly with Ai at this time.

        Expense fees as of November 2009 for Spring 2010 for Ai's services and efforts are as follows (these are in addition to the JTA fees):

Membership application/annual renewal, Levels 1-3: add 600 yen to JTA fees
Membership renewal, Level 4: add 600 yen to JTA fees

Level 1 / Honka: add 1000 yen to JTA fees (for expenses/translations)
Level 2 / Koutouka: add 5,200 yen to JTA fees (1,200 yen for expenses and 4,000 yen (in total, not per pattern) for translations
Level 1 & 2 applied for at same time: add 5,800 yen to JTA fees (1300 yen for expenses and 4500 yen for (in total, not per pattern) for translations
Level 3 / Shihan: add 6,400 yen to the JTA fees at time of application (900 yen for expenses and 5,500 yen (in total, not per pattern) for translations; AND upon successful judging, add 1,200 yen for remaining expenses (7,600 yen total)
Level 4 / Kyoujyu: add 8,100 yen to the JTA fees at the time of application (1,100 yen for expenses and 7,000 yen (in total, not per pattern) for translations; AND upon successful judging, add 4,000yen (2,00 yen for Kyoujyu membership fee and 2,000for remaining expenses

Remember that you must join as a member and hold current membership in addition to applying for licensure.

        All applicants are accepted or declined at your Shihan's discretion, based on their evaluation of your understanding of temari and performance of skills. While every effort and good intention is offered by everyone, and payment for services and expenses to Ai is final, this does not constitute guarantee of acceptance in judging by the JTA. You understand and accept that application is your responsibility, and there is no refund if you do not pass license judging with the JTA. For Level 3 and Level 4 applications, payments must be submitted via PayPal in Japanese Yen, so a PayPal account will be required. Level 1 and Level 2 payments will be collected by your Shihan and you will be advised of the preferred method by your Shihan. They will then be forwarded to Ai as a group payment.

       Definitive information regarding processing arrangements and costs will be specified on TemariKai and Ai's site each year and announced through TemariKai News, so that those wishing to apply in the following spring will have sufficient notice and be able to start the process. Certification application should be an on-going process, and not worked at the time the call for applicants is offered. Please also remember that the deadline for submission to Ai will be considerably earlier than the May JTA deadline, so that she has sufficient time to work with you on your application package and translations. As more and more people begin and continue the process, it is evolving into a more year-long schedule to allow for working with Shihan and allow Ai to complete things on her end. Notice will be sent out each year via TemariKai news when arrangements are final and applications are being accepted, so if you are desiring to become a JTA member, or to join and apply for licensing, please be sure to recheck this page and/or be sure that you are subscribed to TemariKai News.

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Last updated 11/2009 © 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 G.Thompson, Ai Mizuta, Japan Temari Association