new irori (japanese hearth)

An IRORI is a traditional Japanese hearth set into the floor and often surrounded by TATAMI mats.  SASU ICHI once had an IRORI but as in many homes, as lifestyles modernized, it was covered and forgotten.  Renovations at SASU ICHI have included restoring and expanding the old IRORI and acquiring an antique JIZAI (the hook, usually with a carved wooden fish attached, from which kettles and pots are hung above the hearth).  The restored IRORI was celebrated at the close of 2018 with a village Christmas party and featured in the customary New Year's card (NENGAJOU) shown here.   あけましておめでとうございます!  (Happy New Year!)