"Minka" is a traditional farm house in Japan. They may not be easy to find it in the modern day after the economy boom in Japan several decades ago. As a child, I was fortunate to see them in Kamakura where I was born and grew. I still have a sensational memories of my high school field trip to Gifu prefecture, when I fell in love with their minka called "Gashouzukuri" in Gokayama, and with Kokiriko-Bushi, an old Japanese folk song with dance on Sasara percussion. As a modern and Americanized boy in my childhood, I didn't necessarily like Japanese customs, but somehow, old tradition caught my heart as a child artist. I am not an anthropologist to explain well about minka, so please watch the 15 minutes video from this link to learn more about them.
I heard that we would have a Minka Project in the East Coast from Peter Grilli, director of CIE-USA, many years ago. And I've found that a restored minka will open in New Hampshire next month. How exciting that is for all Japanese culture fans! I cannot help dreaming of visiting and perhaps cooking some fresh water fish at the "robata" place.
There will be a free webinar on the evening of Tuesday, November 2nd (in Japan on the morning of November 3rd, "Culture Day"). Yoshihiro Takishita, the well-known architect who specializes in the preservation and renovation of traditional Japanese farmhouses, and Peter Grilli will discuss this fascinating subject. The webinar is free but pre-registration is required. I will be there!
THE MAGIC OF MINKA:
Japanese Traditional Farmhouses
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd at 8:00pm (Eastern US time)
For registration & more information:
(Photo: Robata Room at Ryokan "Hisui" Oku-Hida, Gifu Prefecture)
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