Kominka: The Beauty and Wisdom of Japanese Traditional House - Hardcover

by Kazuo Hasegawa (Author)

Discover the timeless beauty of Japan's traditional folk houses and villages.

For centuries, traditional wooden folk houses known as kominka have embodied the cultural values of pre-modern Japan. Their sturdy posts and powerful beams have withstood earthquakes and other natural disasters, demonstrating the artistry of Japanese carpenters and the strength of handcrafted wood joinery. Preserved and reconstructed today, kominka offer silent testimony to the enduring beauty and resilience of Old Japan.

Kazuo Hasegawa's profusely illustrated introduces readers to the vernacular architecture, equips travelers with a guide to Japan's 101 must-visit kominka and villages, and is a useful reference for those who are planning to embark on a kominka renovation journey of their own. Perfect for lovers of Japanese architecture, historic preservation, and unique travel destinations.

Author Biography

Kazuo Hasegawa has lived a life in real estate. He launched his career in the Japanese housing industry as publisher of the widely circulated periodical, Jutaku Joho, which listed properties for rent, sale, and investment. A passionate believer in the cultural significance of traditional Japanese old houses and the importance of their preservation, he was instrumental in the founding of the nonprofit Japan Minka Revival Association (JMRA), of which he is a permanent director. A world traveler and photographer, he has contributed articles and images to various books, newspapers, magazines, and exhibitions in his native country. He divides his time between a condominium in Yokohama City and a restored 100-year-old kominka in rural Yamanashi, where he created and runs Gallery Wa as a hub for art and heritage enthusiasts.