The Japanese housing construction industry has become more and more automated and the pre-cutting method, in which the structural frame of a building is processed by machines, has become mainstream and houses are built and destroyed based on the idea of scrap and build. At the same time, exquisite old Japanese folk houses are being torn down and traditional building techniques are in danger of being lost.

The Japan Kominka Association is a national organization which works to share the culture of Japanese folk houses and pass on traditional carpentry skills through the reconstruction of old houses. The organization also contributes to the revitalization of local economies through the restoration of kominka.

Since being established in 2009, the Japan Kominka Association grown steadily and now has 65 branches and 400 member organizations in Japan.

Timeline of activities of the Japan Kominka Association

■　2009: Established the Japan Kominka Association.
■　2010: Expanded to other regions throughout Japan with the aim of building a sustainable recycling-type building society. A “Green Building Promotion Council” was launched.
■　2013: Established “Reconstruction Standards Review Committee” to formulate reconstruction standards suitable for traditional construction methods from 2013 to 2015.
■　2015: Acquired general incorporated association status and became Japan Kominka Association. Started “Heisei Carpenter Builder Certification” project for the purpose of passing on technology and skills. Established “Housing Studies Guidelines Review Committee” as an initiative to explain housing to consumers. Made announcement of seismic panel type surface lattice wall of old folk house
■　2016: Started hand precut business in 12 regions. Introduced a 24-hour security service for watching over old folk houses. Established Kominka Regeneration Parliamentary Federation (Liberal Democratic Party). Made proposal for utilization of discarded old materials and promotion of remodeling insurance. Affiliated with the National Silver Human Resources Center Business Association to employ older people.
■　2017: Established Kominka Regeneration Committee member social gathering (Komei Party). Started town development business utilizing old folk houses,
■　2018: Certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Remodeling Business Group.
■　2019: Received official approval of registration as a ”Remodeling Business Registration Organization” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Requested by the government to work on the problem of vacant houses. Entrusted with the “Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unoccupied House Problem Model Project”

Contact:
Japan Kominka Association
Tsunayoshi Nakamura, Chairman
3-1 1-chome Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda Tokyo
TEL：03-6275-0795
FAX：03-6856-4414