This Channel has been set up for lovers of traditional old Japanese folk houses, Kominka. Follow me on my journey as I renovate my own Kominka, chat with others who have their own Kominka or are involved with these beautiful buildings in some capacity, or just introduce other interesting facets of Japanese culture in general.
My Kominka journey is also in support of those suffering from debilitating physical and mental health conditions.
As a sufferer of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), mimicking, in my case, to varying degrees, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and dementia, and as someone who survived attempting suicide and continues to struggle with bipolar disorder, I really do understand how difficult life can be when you have these kinds of additional complications.
But ALL IS NOT LOST and I wish to set an example of how sufferers can work around their health issues, overcome barriers, and be successful!
Thank you for watching! Yes indeed, there are all sorts of interesting items! Unfortunately, the original owner's family fell on hard times after he passed away, and they sold many treasures that were stored in order to survive. What remains though, are still treasures to me! Have a great day - cheers!
I really like this house. The architecture, gardens and furniture that came with the house all looks great! I know it's your house, so you are the expert here and I don't want to be rude, but I think it's more like yasiki than kominka. On the other hand, I saw some renovation videos of Japanese traditional houses calling with kominka, so it will be easier to attract similar viewers... The previous owner family looked like at least a big land owner. The flower pattern from lacquer dishes might be their family crest. Sorry if I'm talking about something you already know. I hope there will be more videos on this project. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching, and for your comments! Many people believe that a Kominka 'must' be basically a farmer's house with thatched roof, mud walls, and an irori open hearth. This is probably due to the generalised English translation of Kominka being Old Folk House. The literal translation for Kominka is actually 'old private residence' so in this context, Kominka can be inclusive of many styles of 'traditional' (made of natural materials like earth, thatch, timber, and plaster, using traditional methods) houses. I think the 'traditional' aspect or 'requirement' being assigned to Kominka is due to the fact that the 'Ko' of Kominka means 'old', so yes, traditional methods and materials would generally have been used. The term 'Yashiki' also has multiple interpretations, ranging from residence through to mansion, and estate. The style of most Yashiki were/are basically described by the Japanese kanji character that is prefixed to Yashiki, such as Buke-Yashiki (a Samurai residence), Shimo-Yashiki (a Daimyo or feudal lord's rural residence), Kami-Yashiki (a Daimyo's Edo or Tokyo residence), and even Obake-Yashiki meaning 'ghost house' so basically a haunted house! So, rather than 'old folk house' being the English term used to describe Kominka, I think maybe 'traditional old Japanese house' would be a better description. At least this incorporates the many different architectural styles and building methods and materials that have been used in making these beautiful old houses! By the way - The floral design of of paulownia flowers and leaves used on the 'shikki' Japanese lacquerware bowls that you saw in the videos, is actually the family crest of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's medieval leaders (in his case Taiko) and one of the unifiers of the country. (His personal crest and seal was a simpler version of this.) This is now used as the Japanese governments Coat of Arms and is the official Seal of the Japanese Prime Minister. I don't know if the original owner of my house had this design as his family's crest however, it is possible as many family's adopted popular crests as their own (and still do), if one hadn't been bestowed upon them by the Emperor or government authorities. Anyway, my apologies for the long-winded reply. 😊 I hope you keep checking back for future uploads, and thanks again for watching - cheers!
@@kominkadreaming Thank your for replying! I learned so much from your explanation. It's rainy season in Japan, isn't it? I hope you well in health and good luck in your project. I'll looking for your next video😊
No problem Jihye-san, and I'm happy you found my reply informative! The Rainy Season is just coming to an end here now and surprisingly there wasn't that much rain here this year. It has been VERY hot and humid though! 😫 The Typhoon Season will continue through until October so this might bring some more rain, and maybe cool things down a little. Are you in South Korea? What is the weather like there at the moment? Seoul is quite close and fairly easy to get to from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Have you ever been over here? Anyway, thanks for looking forward to my next upload - I'll try to do a good job!
Thank you for your comment! I'm so happy to hear that my choice of music for these videos has had it's intended effect of creating a suitable mood! 🎶😀 Have a great day and please keep checking back for more - cheers! 👋
Im subscribing! A wonderful house you bought . Nevermind the awful lot of work whats need to be done. The journey is important not the goal. Thank you for your updates. Greeting from Hungary!
Thank you for your comments and thanks for watching! I'll let you in on a little secret - the work will never be finished, so it'll be a journey lasting til the end of my life, and I'll enjoy every moment of it. 😀 Then, it'll be someone else's turn, and who knows, it could be you! Thanks again and keep watching 👀 👋
Thank you for watching! If you haven't already seen it, please watch the following video to see how things are progressing so far. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tOvSJeKQiw0.htmlsi=xT_LgOPolvp6EUhb It's all moving along slowly but surely, so please keep checking back to see what's new. Cheers!
Thank you for watching! Yes, I agree, even in this state it's beautiful! My wife doesn’t really agree though so I have to clean things up a little. Rest assured though, I won't be making any dramatic changes and will try and remain true to it's original design and decor. If you haven't already done so, please view the following video to see how things are progressing, and if you agree with the work I've done so far. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tOvSJeKQiw0.htmlsi=xT_LgOPolvp6EUhb Cheers!
Thanks for watching and I'm glad you like the property! I'd love to have it back to the standard that it was in it's heyday, but it'll take a little while to get there. 😁 Have a great day and keep watching - cheers! 🍻
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the feedback! Yes, I agree! Unfortunately, I get so involved in the task that I keep forgetting to set up the camera for all the important tasks! I've watched a few of your videos and you've been pretty prolific with your video production, and have obviously learnt/got used to things along the way. (I can't believe that you don't have viewing statistics similar to Tokyo Ilama. The algorithm is f$#&¥#!) Anyway, I'm thinking of doing a few tutorial-like videos in the future, and go more indepth into things. It's all a time issue, so if I get more comments like yours, or requests, then I'll try to make the time. (At least once I've finished my place to an acceptable level.) By the way, I love your place - it's massive! You've definitely got your work cut out for yourself! I'm also envious that you appear to have no problems fitting into Japanese workwear. I'm just too bloody big for things here! All the best with your project, and thanks again - cheers! 🍻
Thanks, ya tool! It won't be completed before you come because I want to put you to work on it, seeing as your our other two siblings were so slack and didn't do a thing! (No, sorry, Angie did clean the kitchen and raked a few leaves up. 😁 Grant made his bed every morning but that doesn't count. 🤣) Hope you and Wendy are enjoying your UK van trip!
Love the fact you are using the Traditional methods to restore this piece of history. Like seeing more of the big ugly bloke though...miss the big fella. Your a creative star with your cinematography as usual.
Thanks cous! I love doing the traditional stuff and hope to do more of it. As far as as the cinematography is concerned though, I definitely need to do a better job so that it doesn't need too much editing - it's taking me way too long to make these videos. AND, I'll stay behind the camera thanks, don't want to scare off visitors! ;-)
Franjo, great to hear from you! Have you finished your travels?Where are you now? Anyway, no unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to look further into the mysterious rock wall. I am certain though that it is the entrance to a WWII Bunker! My elderly neighbours have told me that a bunker definitely exists on the property, and the arrangement of the stone wall definitely looks like it is concealing and entrance. You may have to come back here to help me excavate things! 🤣 Stay well, young man - cheers! 🍻
Looks lovely! What a classic house & on a large section. I think I'd want to put in a pot belly cast iron fire/stove if that's permitted. You got a treasure!
Thanks for watching and for your comment! Yes, I do believe that I've scored a beauty! 😀 The 'newer' 1950s section of the house has a recess in the wall of the living room that would be perfect for a fireplace, or combustion stove of some kind, so I have considered it. Unfortunately, my current budget won't allow for this so I'll have to dream on for a little longer. 😥 (I'd also have to decide where I'd put the large screen TV, as this currently takes up the recess. 😁)
Thanks for watching, John Sensei however, my Channel seems a little inadequate compared to yours, which is very impressive! I'll subscribe and try to get some tips on how to improve my own channel, although I would guess that the key to a successful channel is dedication in posting regular, interesting content. I'll get there eventually, and your subscription takes me one more step forward. Thanks again for watching, and please keep doing so - cheers!🥂
@@kominkadreaming Yes, I saw your post on FB and followed it up. My own channel was doing well until two or three years ago, when it seems RU-vid changed its algorithm, and things have been tough since then. It seems the best way to get more viewers is to already have lots! Breaking that circle is pretty difficult.
@@kominkadreaming It'll probably only have minimal effect, but adding some of your playlists to my channel - and vice versa - could provide a bit of cross-fertilization. I have a number of specialized channels, which will never get anywhere in themselves, but it's all grist to the mill! I'll link your channel here: www.youtube.com/@anosenseijapan
Yes, it appears that way. And unfortunately, the whole world and life itself seem to be built around algorithms, and just when you think you're getting ahead, some bugger goes and changes them! 😡
Hi! Glad you like it and thanks for watching! If you're still interested in volunteering you can apply to volunteer here before you come over next year. 😀 Please visit the following Site to register: www.buymeacoffee.com/kominkadreaming/commissions Have a great day - cheers! 🍻
Hi and thanks for watching! Yes, I was put off at first by the 'Western' part of the property (basically just two rooms), but it has grown on me. 😀 When I think about the history of the place, and understand that even these sections are part of it, I can appreciate them. It's great, when I give a tour of the place, how I can explain the differences between the Edo, Meiji, and Showa periods, and then moving between the Showa and Meiji sections of the house is like experiencing a time slip! Besides, the rooms do have a unique Japanese touch to them, so I can feel that although influenced by Western design, they are still Japanese. Have a great day - cheers! 🍻
Thank you for watching, and thanks for your comment! Where are you from and have you ever been to Japan? If you ever visit and would like to experience staying in and renovating a Kominka, please let me know. I welcome volunteers!
Sure, your wish is my command! (Did you read the description?) Seriously though, I'll eventually upload some RAW footage that you can view. Thanks for watching anyway - cheers! 🍻
Ha, ha, parents have all kinds of techniques for training their kids! 🤣 At least you got to experience something that kids nowadays will never have, so you can appreciate such technological advances. Anyway, I haven't yet tried turning it on. I think I'll open it up, check the wiring, give it a good dusting, then move it out into the yard before plugging it in and trying it. Unfortunately though, even if it does work there are no analog broadcasters left in Japan so it won't be able to pick up the digital channels. 😕 I'll upload the video of this when I get around to testing it, and if I survive. 🤣 Thanks for watching - cheers! 🍻
Well, it depends on where your interests lie and what generations you can get along with or understand. One could say exactly the same for this video! 😁: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tgijZvvn5fo.htmlsi=ROvCAN9ax8L7XtgU
I want to do this too- I’m Australian and am tired of floods, fires, droughts and disasters, I love Japan and the amazing countryside, the culture, the quiet. I don’t want to live in a town so a house in the forest would be amazing
Go for it! I'm the same and absolutely love the culture and people here and that's what won me over. Of course Japan has its fair share of natural disasters and the like (typhoons and mudslides etc.), but there is a lot of data on which areas are impacted and if houses are in mudslide zones etc, so if you do your research you can find somewhere suitable. Anyway, thanks for watching and good luck with your search! Drop me a line when you find something - cheers!
@@xxboxofmuffinsxx4252 Yes, but sometimes things just come down to luck! Where we moved from in Australia nearly two years ago, they've just had the worst floods in 100 years after Cyclone Jasper went through. The whole town was basically a river and many parts of the Shire are still cut off from everything, and/or have no running water, no power, and no communications. My brother's house is now uninhabitable and yesterday he was hospitalised with a severe bacterial infection from the flood water, and may be undergoing surgeory today if current treatment doesn't work. 😭 My sister's family's business is destroyed and they have no idea when they'll be operational again.😭 The rented place where my wife and I used to live, was gutted and we would've had to have moved out if we still lived there.☹️ Meanwhile, we're safe here, and where my Kominka is located there haven't been any disastrous earthquakes, the place isn't in a landslide zone, and the house has survived for 116 years.🙏 So yes, Japan does have many natural disasters, but no matter where you are in the world, when your number's up, then your number's up! Sometimes you just have to ignore statistics and go with your heart because nothing ventured, nothing gained. Cheers!
Thanks for watching and thank you for your comment! I would like to be as authentic as possible though unfortunately, there are times when practicality wins out. This particular room has no protection from the elements unless the Amado are closed, so I decided to use plastic shoji-shi. Totally unauthentic, I know! 😅 Because of this I had to use double-sided tape as the rice glue does not work. 😒 Cheers! 🍻
Congratulations on your purchase, and I wish you the very best. Thank you for sharing the images. I could not stay with the whole video, however, because the music became so annoying. Do we really need to have such a driving beat?
Thank you and thanks for watching! Hopefully future versions of video editing software will allow creators to offer viewers a choice of music to select for themselves. Unfortunately however, we can only suggest at the moment that viewers mute (🔇) the sound on video if music is not to their liking. As a relative 'newbie' to RU-vid and video editing I find it hard to find suitable music that may be liked across the board, is free, for both initial purchase and from future/ongoing royalties, that suits the content, and is loopable. The music used in this video, and most of my other videos, is titled 'Japanese Corporate' and is provided by Solbox. I feel that this piece of music ticks all the boxes of what I mentioned above and has enough 'Japanesy' sound to it (with it's instruments and sound structure) without being 'cliché' Japanese music. I would love to spend more time in creating video content that is appreciated by everyone but unfortunately this doesn't pay the bills at the moment and my focus is on my Kominka project. Now, if everyone who watches my videos actually Subscribes to my Channel, and contributes financially via my fundraising Sites, things may change and I might actually succeed in becoming a RU-vid sensation and Social Influencer. I don't quite think that I'm pretty enough or trendy enough for this to happen so I'll just keep dreaming. 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers! 🍻
What a great experience for the girls. Hope they are proud of their efforts. Are you going to consider using the building as a homestay? It looks like it once was.
Yes, they absolutely loved it and are definitely proud of their hard work. Initially I'm hoping to just live in the place but I'm thinking about homestays or other accommodation options as well as intimate dining. I would also like to use one of the Kura as an art studio/gallery and cafè. Huge dreams but no 💰 😕
Great to see people preserving and saving these older buildings. It always struck me as strange that the Japanese are not so much interested in renovation projects ( unless it is of major historical value ). Many beautiful buildings have been left to crumble and rot. Looking forward to your progress.
It was good to see you again in the supermarket the other day Kevin! When the weather gets a bit cooler please contact me and we'll get together for a Yakiniku BBQ at my place. Cheers! 🍻
