Always good when an unexpected event leads to the purchase of a new toy ;)
Regarding your mention of the modularity of Japanese architecture--I was reading a paper about Meiji-era slums in Tokyo recently, and learned that in the tenements of the day (and also going back to Edo), the structures belonged to the landlords, while the fittings and tatami mats belonged to the tenants. So when slumlords evicted their tenants they would toss it all outside!
Fascinating! So I guess the shoji and tatami, etc... were truly seen as furniture in a strict sense. I'd probably dig reading that paper if you have a reference!
On another note, I finally got to revisit the revamped Juraku Onsen in Kitakagaya last month. Wonderful place. Was happy to see they opened the entire upstairs as a community lounge area. After the bath I enjoyed a beer up there with a friend from the hood :-)
“Land, Lumber, Labor, and Excrement” by Jordan Sand. I have a pdf if you’re interested.
I was very impressed with Juraku Onsen. It feels like they really understood the potential of a sento as a commons and oasis. Great to see that process of renewal take place entirely within the community (the person who ended up saving it saw it was going to be knocked down while walking their dog and started making moves!)
Thanks Heeyoung! On staying warm, I got leg warmers. I might look like a 1980s girl band backup dancer, but they work super well to keep my blood circulating :-D
Always good when an unexpected event leads to the purchase of a new toy ;)
Regarding your mention of the modularity of Japanese architecture--I was reading a paper about Meiji-era slums in Tokyo recently, and learned that in the tenements of the day (and also going back to Edo), the structures belonged to the landlords, while the fittings and tatami mats belonged to the tenants. So when slumlords evicted their tenants they would toss it all outside!
Fascinating! So I guess the shoji and tatami, etc... were truly seen as furniture in a strict sense. I'd probably dig reading that paper if you have a reference!
On another note, I finally got to revisit the revamped Juraku Onsen in Kitakagaya last month. Wonderful place. Was happy to see they opened the entire upstairs as a community lounge area. After the bath I enjoyed a beer up there with a friend from the hood :-)
“Land, Lumber, Labor, and Excrement” by Jordan Sand. I have a pdf if you’re interested.
I was very impressed with Juraku Onsen. It feels like they really understood the potential of a sento as a commons and oasis. Great to see that process of renewal take place entirely within the community (the person who ended up saving it saw it was going to be knocked down while walking their dog and started making moves!)
Land, Lumber, Labor, and Excrement, got it! Great title.
Yes, Juraku! Man, something really special aligned for that to happen... maybe it was the dog's idea?
This is indeed a lot of work, but you've figured out so much already! Keep warm and safe! 화이팅!!
Thanks Heeyoung! On staying warm, I got leg warmers. I might look like a 1980s girl band backup dancer, but they work super well to keep my blood circulating :-D
Hope you are warm and well too <3