The word Kominka means “old house” referring to houses built no later than the Second World War. In this book, you will read about the people who have reconstructed some of those “kominkas” found in various parts of Japan and through the photographs included in the book, view the beauty recreated to preserve the important historical aspects of homes of the past. Just reading and looking at the book’s contents will bring serenity to your being.

Beautiful photos and a ton of interesting write-ups of both the architecture in general as well as each specific example.

For several years, I have been fascinated by the traditional methods of building Japanese structures. The design, the intricate joinery, the tools used, the history, it's all fantastic to me. When I saw this ARC from NetGalley, I knew that I must read it! I was not disappointed. The author describes the history of Kominka, the practices, and he gives a guide to 100 of the most beautiful house and villages in Japan. All are at least 100 years old! The author then describes the process he went through to build his own Kominka home. The struggles with finding the right land, the permits, the plans, the struggles and the triumphs in the construction. Just the reverence that he approaches the entire field with is uplifting by itself. I really enjoyed this book.

Intersting exploration of a topic about which i knew nothing before this book. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you to NetGalley aan the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful book. After a thorough discussion of the history of kominka---traditional hand-crafted houses in Japan---the author spends the rest of the book detailing individual restored examples (including his own home). Lovely. Soothing and spiritual, in a way, as are many Japanese art forms. Highly recommended.

Fascinating look at something I knew absolutely nothing about before getting this preview. I look forward to getting a print copy in my hands to plan (hopefully) to one day visit one of these beautiful spots.

People who love traditional architecture from different cultures as well as lovers of Japanese culture in general will appreciate this short but heartfelt ode to old wooden houses known as kominka in Japan, written by someone with a long experience in media dedicated to design and travel.

(Full review in link)

Kominka is a comprehensive book all about traditional Japanese houses called kominka written and curated by Kazuo Hasegawa. Due out 1st July 2024 from Museyon, it's 411 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Different cultures have responded to the demands of climate and physical terrain, cultural norms, and societal and familial needs for housing in vastly differing ways. Currently in the world, especially in metropolitan and high density population areas, many (most?) of the traditional ways have been laid aside in the interests of packing the most people into the smalles spaces, hopefully safely, but most importantly efficiently, and the result has been very large cities which are more or less the same, the world over.

Japan has been no different. The centuries old traditional kominka has been laid aside, often demolished, to make way for more modern structures. The author has written an encyclopedic volume, very well illustrated with both drawings and photos, which explore and celebrate the traditional Japanese housing forms.

The book is divided into three main parts: a thorough primer on kominka and the common features they share, a "top kominka list" with maps which the author curated during his travels as a design magazine writer, and finally, the authors own journal refurbishing his own dwelling in traditional manner.

Five stars. It's a niche book, but very very well written, showing (for western readers) aesthetic forms and storage solutions which are not often accessible in the available English language architectural literature. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, for nonfiction readers, and possible for gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This book is a very thorough guide to kominka, or old homes, in Japan. It had everything you'd want in such a guide including a good balance of text and photos. And the photos themselves are simply beautiful. It also works well as a kind of guidebook to Japan as it introduces locales that are truly off the beaten path. It's a very impressive work and anyone with an interest in Japan, or even anyone visiting Japan, would be well advised to pick up this book. I was quite impressed! The author obviously considered the format and made it usable to a number or readers. I'd love to see more books with such a thoughtful and reader-friendly aspect!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I learned a lot and was quite impressed!

The old Japanese homes always attracted me, but I've never heard of them being restored. I hadn't realized they were being abandoned, torn down! Those wonderful homes and buildings need to be preserved! I was so happy Mr. Hasegawa has written this splendid book about his purchase and restoration of one of the homes and the association he is part of to save and preserve them. I can't imagine why anyone would leave these beautiful homes. Well, maybe I can. I've seen homes being save in my city, and other cities, and I know from friends who wave bought some properties, how expensive the restorations can be, I would imagine it is really no less expensive in Japan. I certainly hope the government is stepping in to preserve the heritage. This would be wonderful; start to anyone considering saving one of these homes. Mr. Hasegawa includes all a step by step plan of what his restorations were and how they were acheived. He also talks about the villages and neighborhoods that have been saved and repurposed as restaurants, b and b, wineries, tea and coffee houses, etc. So places to visit as tourists. His book also includes places to purchase authentic replacement parts for traditional homes and construction workers familiar with the older homes. I enjoyed the photos of the many places and homes and projects, as well. The book has appendix and index to guide anyone interested in restoration on old Japanese homes and buildings.