Summary of the Fourth Session of
Traditional Japanese Architecture and Craftsmanship 

Date and Time:

April 26, 2025 (Saturday) from 13:00 to 15:00

Location:

Yamatokamiichi GATEWAY (Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture)

Agenda:

Yoshino forestry, renovation of old houses, relocation, and dual-region living

Attendees:

Members: Led by Takada Mitsuo (Professor at Kyoto University of Arts and Design, Emeritus Professor at Kyoto University, and Board Member of the Foundation), along with architects and researchers.

Agenda:

1. Lecture by Chair Takada:
“The Value of Japanese-style Rooms in Kyoto Residences”
(Originally published in Architects Journal, May 2025)

2. Report on Mooshaus Activities – Background and Current Status
Presented by: Rieko Uchida
I have been involved with Yamato-Kamiichi since my days training in forestry, spanning 20 years. In April 2023, I began looking for properties in Kamiichi. Due to inheritance issues, I was able to purchase a property after a year and a half. The building had severe roof leaks and was overgrown with moss inside—this inspired the name of the project. After a conceptual design phase, we began demolition and investigation, but faced many unexpected challenges, confronting the difficulties of renovating a wooden structure.

3. Talk by Shota Nakai (Mayor of Yoshino Town):
The Current Situation in Yoshino and Yamato-Kamiichi
Yoshino Town was formed in 1956 through the merger of six municipalities. The population is now 6,229 and continues to decline. While known for cherry blossoms and forestry, the town is also rich in history—events such as the Jinshin War, legends of Yoshitsune, Emperor Go-Daigo, and figures like Saigyo, Basho, Noh theater, and Joruri storytelling all play a part. While measures for vacant homes are important, we must pursue ambitious, nationwide-recognized projects led by the private sector in cooperation with the government. There are no concrete plans yet, but government-led efforts tend to fail.

https://www.pref.nara.jp/secure/285802/yoshino.pdf

4. Discussion on Town Planning, Streetscapes, and Old House Renovation in Yoshino

The townscape of Yamato-Kamiichi is uniquely formed along the Yoshino River. The tall machiya-style townhouses are a distinctive feature. The abundance of vacant homes can be seen as potential. There are currently no restaurants or bars. Transportation is a key issue, and a publicly-involved ride-share service is being considered. On the site of a former elementary school, Okumura Corporation is planning a facility with lodging, commercial space, a large bath, and a community center to open in FY2027.

https://www.town.yoshino.nara.jp/cgi-bin/recruit.php/1/list?page_no=540 

Site Visits

11:00–12:00 / 15:20–17:00

1. Yoshino Cedar House Tour (Presented by Akihibi Yoshikawa, Yoshino to Kurasu-kai)
A collaboration between architect Go Hasegawa and Airbnb under the theme “Travel Like You Live,” supported by Yoshino Town. First exhibited in VISION2 2016 TOKYO EXHIBITION, later relocated. The house is operated by Yoshino to Kurasu-kai, formed in 2012 by forestry and woodworking successors.

https://yoshinochoboku.com/yoshinocedarhouse/

2. Guesthouse Sankirou

A four-story traditional Japanese-style former inn reopened in 2015. Renovated by the local group Kamiichi Machizukuri no Kai Returns. The owner is Tatsuji Minami, a second-generation local contractor.

http://sankirou.com/　

The basement includes a co-working space "Under the Deck of Sankirou (三奇楼デッキの下)", featuring “TENJIKU” and “Sago Job,” a system allowing guests to stay free (2 nights to 1 month) in exchange for helping the community.

https://note.com/yamakubo/n/n28b22ff467d1

 3. Mooshaus (Renovation Property of the “Utsuwa Project”)
A 60-year-old wooden house is being renovated as a residence and base for the Utsuwa Project's AIR (Artisan-in-Residence) initiative. A German artisan scheduled to participate in EXPO2025 is expected to intern here. The group toured the partially dismantled site to observe the real conditions of abandoned traditional wooden buildings.

4. Sakaguchi Sawmill & Yoshino Salon Lecture (Presented by Katsuyuki Sakaguchi)
A tour of the vast Sakaguchi Sawmill (founded in 1946), showcasing natural wood drying, the milling process, and facilities like Yoshino Salon, model home Yoshino STYLE, and the PROP furniture workshop. The session also included discussions on the realities of the lumber industry, relationships between clients, architectural firms, and distribution networks.

https://wood-sakaguchi.jp/index.html