This year as well, we had students draw pictures on the theme of ``traditional Japanese houses'' in class.
My impression was that there were fewer gassho-zukuri structures and more tiled roofs.
Some students also depicted people relaxing on the verandah and trees surrounding the house.
According to comments submitted after class, some students said that when they were referred to as a ``traditional Japanese house,'' they thought of ``Sazae-san's house.''
I went to Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture to see private houses with turf roofs.
First, let's go to the former Tobe family residence.
It is a nationally designated important cultural property, and a photo of the magnificent lawn building is posted on the website of the Minakami Town Tourism Association.
However, when I went there, I was surprised.
It looks miserable.Tanigawadake in the background was covered in snow.It was spring in Tsukuba, but the cherry blossoms here were still in bud.
What can I say...
Just because something is designated as an important cultural property doesn't mean you can feel safe.
Now, I regained my composure and headed further into the mountains.
Our next destination is the Kumokoshi family residence.
This is a nationally designated tangible folk cultural property.
It was buried in snow. . .Even though it's April, there's not much snow remaining.The grass ridge also feels lonely, but this can't be helped due to the season.
A week later, I visited again.
Then...
The snow on the roof was melting.You can also feel the breath of spring in the grass building.
This time, it was a joint investigation with Professor Kobayashi from Shimane University, Professor Hama from Yamagata University, and Professor Kamatoko from Kagawa University.
The main contents of the investigation were confirmation of the existing condition of the Mise-zukuri structure and actual measurements.
Thanks to the kindness of the residents, we were able to see the interior of the building and take actual measurements of the floor, cross-section, and elevation.
We were also able to see the mise-zukuri structure set up in the rural stage.
From left: Professor Kobayashi from Shimane University, Professor Hama from Yamagata University, and Professor Kamatoko from Kagawa University.Misezukuri is also used in rural settings.As I continued my research in Tokushima, I realized that it was already spring.Is it rare?Commemorative photo.
