 A new must-have reference for all kominka enthusiasts was published today by Hasegawa Kazuo and Museyon Publishing. Kominka: The Beauty and Wisdom of the Japanese Traditional House has three parts: an introduction that includes interviews with two foreigners who have acquired minka; a guide to 101 places around Japan that have interesting minka that can be visited; and a diary of Hasegawa-san’s project to re-locate and re-use an old minka from Niigata prefecture. The first part includes a chapter on Alex Kerr’s reflections on his houses and life journey which I’m sure will be interesting to all of his fans (note: you can also read about SASU・ICHI !). The second part is rapidly adding to my “bucket list” of must-see places and the inclusion of maps and extensive photos makes it really fun to pick up and browse. Finally, I am finding Hasegawa-san’s diary a fascinating glimpse into his design decisions and re-construction challenges. The small format and bookmark ribbon make it a very cute addition to your coffee table or gift for a friend. Be sure to check it out!  Pictures and a description of SASU・ICHI are included in Part 1. |
Updated December 2024