Inside the Japanese House: Part III

About the Event:

The Japan Society of Boston is proud to present Inside the Japanese House, a three-part series exploring traditional Japanese homes through the lens of Architecture, Culture, and Handcraft. The series will be hosted by Adam Zgola, a carpenter specialized in traditional Japanese wooden construction with over two decades of experience in Japan.

Part I covered Adam’s early experiences as an apprentice craftsman in Japan. We discussed the opportunities and challenges of a Japanese apprenticeship, a process that results in a unique insight in the importance of tradition in handcraft and the responsibilities of craftsmen in the context of culture and society.

Part II delved directly into the Japanese house. We focused on one style of traditional Japanese architecture: minka, the farmhouse. We also discussed how perceived modern development and economic pressures have challenged the building industry in Japan and the resulting environmental and cultural impacts.

Our final…