steeplejack; scaffold builder; high-rise construction worker
Refers to a traditional Japanese construction worker who specializes in working at heights, erecting scaffolding, and building high structures such as temples, shrines, and modern skyscrapers. The term originates from the image of a black kite (鳶) soaring high.
Steeplejacks are skilled at working at heights.
Many scaffold builders are working at that building's construction site.
Standard kanji spelling using 鳶 (kite/black kite) for the traditional craftsman.
Common variant with kana for とび; often seen in modern contexts.
Compound of 鳶 (とび, 'black kite') and 職人 (しょくにん, 'craftsman'). The name derives from the way these workers move nimbly at great heights, reminiscent of a kite in flight.