Japanese kominka offer a path to sustainable living

On January 17, Zenbird held an event, “Japanese Old Folk House Kominka and Sustainable Hints.” We welcomed Ryuichi Sugimoto, the chairman of the Japan Kominka Association as a guest. This online event featured the sustainability aspects of kominka, Japanese old folk houses. The event was bilingual (English and Japanese), making the content available and helpful to people with different backgrounds all over the world.

Kominka to be passed on to the next generation

The event revolved around with Sugimoto posing the initial question, “What kind of city do you want in 2100?” It discussed how kominka can contribute to solving global environmental problems, such as global warming, deforestation and an increase in industrial waste. Sugimoto also pointed out that social problems including the increasing number of akiya, or abandoned houses, can be mitigated if we pass down houses instead of building them for one-generation use.

Sugimoto introduced the Japan Kominka Association’s activities to leave a “sustainable, recycling-oriented architectural society” to future children. In addition, he emphasized, from a viewpoint of an expert, that we cannot simply leave everything old, but we need to investigate the safety of the buildings that should be preserved and propose effective ways to use them. Then, a variety of kominka inspections and certifications were introduced.

Many images of authentic kominka, including innovative restoration ideas, were presented at the event. They seemed to inspire the participants since some consider buying or renovating akiya or are already involved in kominka projects.

Sustainable living we want to design

Sugimoto, the presenter, led a workshop by playing a game called, Jukyoiku Card (Residential Education Cards) with all the participants. This activity challenged participants to think about the sustainable living they want to design, including housing for the future, and it generated an active exchange of opinions. It revealed our ideal lifestyle and practical worries and struggles, too. For example, one attendee commented, “I want to live in a kominka in the countryside, but I hesitate because of the inconvenience. Shops and hospitals nearby would be necessary.”

We certainly need to start thinking about “the city we want in 2100” concretely. When we discuss and design together, we can hopefully find solutions to the problems we face as a community.

Zenbird aims to connect with readers and be a helpful platform for them to live better, more enriched lives through the community. We will continue to offer opportunities to deepen understanding and experience sustainable ideas unique to Japan.