Kimino-cho Okuzasa 紀美野町奥佐々

This Kominka (traditional house) was restored by a quilt artist Kuroda Machiko seven years ago. The 100-some year old house "came as part of the 2000-tsubo land I purchased". The was bought back to life with her hard work as well as the help from those who support her passion. The thatch for the adjacent shed was brought virtually 'one by one' from local riverbed. The house has abundant supply of natural spring water shared by 17 households. Her garden is now filled with daikon, radish and up the slope, she also has a shiitake farm. Kuroda-san is an active environmental advocate who has mobilised many community movements, including the on-going wind-farm building in the area.

In many parts of Japan, minka are left unkept and forgotten as families move on. Being quite a wet region, once left, these houses deteriorate quickly. I think these houses would make a fantastic "in-residence" for artists, musicians and writers" who has an interest in environment & culture of Japan. Also a collaborative restoration across culture for architectural student, builders, carpenters and community members would be great.