Zenbird to host event “Japanese Old Folk House Kominka and Sustainable Hints”

Zenbird will host another exciting media event is on January 17th, 2023! This online event explores kominka, Japanese old folk houses, and how they are linked to sustainability. The event will be bilingual (English and Japanese). Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese houses through a live stream event.

Kominka are old folk house usually built with traditional architectural techniques. Some over 100 years old, you can find various designs of komika throughout Japan, often featuring wood pillars, clay walls and thatched roof. They are built with natural material that can be reused and recycled. Kominka are in fact structurally flexible buildings, as they can be rearranged and revitalized, and therefore, can be considered sustainable.

The demand and interest in renovating komika have been rising domestically and internationally. However, there are issues we need to tackle urgently, such as akiya (abandoned houses) due to the shrinking Japanese population and global warming caused by climate change.

Through this event, we invite you to think together about tips for living sustainably and what kind of dwellings you would like to leave to the next generation. This event features a presentation and an interactive workshop guided by a chairman of the Japan Kominka Association, Ryuichi Sugimoto.

Anyone interested in Japanese culture is welcome to join this special collaboration event.

Featured content

Presentation on kominka and sustainable living

• Beautiful kominka’s charms and the issues they face
• How the kominka restoration contributes to society and the environment
• Hints for sustainable and enriched living
• Various images of authentic kominka, including innovative restoration ideas

Interactive workshop

Led by Sugimoto, the presenter, we will play a game that will challenge participants to think about the sustainable living we want to design, including housing for the future. What type of house do you want to see yourself and your family living in? What does it mean to live a happy or enriched life? An opportunity to listen to the opinions of participants from other countries and also to express your own.

Guest speaker

Ryuichi Sugimoto

Born in Shizuoka in 1967. Active chairman of the Japan Kominka Association and the head of the Tokyo Branch 1 of the association. Involved in efforts to solve the problem of vacant houses mainly in Tokyo, while keeping track of cases of kominka restoration nationwide. From the viewpoint of a first-class architect, he evaluates the earthquake resistance of buildings and implements measures to safely utilize and add value. Experiencing the evolution of the times through his own two-community residence. While examining future ways of working and living, devotes himself to work that contributes to the development of local communities. Passionate about working to preserve sustainable, recycling-oriented architecture for future generations.

Participants will take away

• Basic knowledge of the kominka and its traditional ideas
• Understanding of the relation between kominka and sustainability
• Answers to your question about kominka
• Understanding of the lifestyle and residences we hope to leave to the next generation

Who this is recommended for

• Anyone who is interested in learning about Japanese traditional houses
• Anyone seeking information about Japanese architecture
• Anyone interested in sustainable living
• Anyone interested in exchanging ideas regarding kominka

Event program (Tentative)

“Japanese Old Folk House Kominka and Sustainable Hints” (80 min.)

• Intro. of the presenter and kominka concepts – 10 min.
• Presentation on kominka and sustainable living – 40 min.
• Q and A – 10 min.
• Interactive workshop- 15 min.
• Closing – 5 min.
• Networking time (Optional – 10 min.)

Event details

• Date2023/1/17 (8:00 – 9:20 pm JST)
• Ticket fee
  ・9.00 USD (or 1200 yen) to participate in the live event
  ・12.00 USD (or 1700 yen) to participate in the live event and access video recording of the event for a month
  *Participants can pay in US Dollar through Eventbrite or in yen through Peatix.

• Venue: Online (through the Zoom link provided.)
• Language: Operated in English and Japanese (The guest presents in Japanese with English translation)
• Register: Through Eventbrite or Peatix
• Host: Zenbird Media

Please note

• We will open the Zoom room 5 min. before the event starts. Please click the Zoom link to enter the room.
• Please have your microphone on mute during the lecture.
• Please be aware that we will video record the event. Feel free to turn off your camera if you feel uncomfortable being recorded. The recorded video will be edited and streamed on YouTube.
• We cannot refund the ticket fee after the payment process has been completed.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

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

[Reference] Zenbird to host event “Japanese Old Folk House Kominka and Sustainable Hints” | Zenbird