In Japan, the number of Akiya (vacant houses), which are increasing year by year due to the declining population, is becoming an urgent social issue.
When we look at the current state of akiya in Shimane Prefecture, where we live, the saddest thing is the sight of valuable traditional Japanese houses becoming vacant and decaying. These buildings that use large-section timbers, which are difficult to obtain today, and are the culmination of Japanese culture and technology carefully finished by a variety of craftspeople are about to return to nature.
This project was launched against this backdrop.
In traditional Japanese buildings, the columns and beams are fitted together like a 3D puzzle without the use of hardware. Therefore, it is possible to disassemble, change locations and reassemble.
In this project, we reclaimed the perspective of this “circular architecture,”
by TOKU(also meaning to solve), we can relocate, repair, or use them as materials.
We are working to convert abandoned buildings, which are a social issue, into local resources.
As materials
For severely deteriorated buildings that are no longer structurally useable,
we rescue elements that can be reused, provide the materials themselves,
or repurpose them as furniture and interior elements and
breathing new life into them.
For high-grade vacant buildings,
For use after relocation or renovation
From property examination to relocation,
renovation, operation and maintenance
We offer a one-stop service.
We offer a completely custom tour where you decide where to visit by checking our akiya database in advance.
You can see the real life and architecture in non-tourist areas that you can not see on a typical tourist trip, and experience the beauty of kominka(traditional buildings) which are a culmination of Japanese traditional culture and lifestyle, while you consider acquiring a building of your own.
