Thank you Jaya! It was great spending a few days with you in Iya, and the weather was good to us since we saw the magical mists at their best. I'm so impressed at how you produced this video, maybe the most beautiful ever done of Iya and the houses. And it's not only beautifully filmed, but you cover the social and heritage issues, as well as the practical challenges of restoring these old houses. It also might be the only one in any depth about Utazu. Now I want to come and visit you in Ibaraki!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Alex, glad I could catch the mists - we got lucky with just the right amount of rain. I wish I'd visited your houses before we did ours, though I still have time to steal a lot of your ideas! Hope you can visit us in Ibaraki some time.
@DestinationJapan95
2 жыл бұрын
Astounding video! I truly love that first house you guys visited in Utazu, Alex said that they probably wouldn't be able to buy. Is there a listing for it somewhere? How much is it? I've been looking for minka like this one for SO LONG. Coming to Japan as soon as it opens, I plan on living in Japan not just traveling and would love to renovate and put a wonderul property like this to use!
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
@@DestinationJapan95 The house isn't listed and the owners are not even sure they'll sell. This is in the "long negotiation" stage - which in Japan can be many years. But other great houses keep showing up, for example in my town of Kameoka (outside of Kyoto) where I usually live. What part of Japan are you interested in?
@DestinationJapan95
2 жыл бұрын
@@alexakerr1 oh man! Okay, I would love to own a property like this. I’d like to keep up with this one even if the owner decides to sell. Would hate to see this be tore down. I’ve always been more fascinated with the Japanese country side and smaller towns. That’s where I’d live, someplace smaller and more connected to renovate Akiya and start a business or two. I’ve been interested in many areas of Japan. Shikoku, Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Nagano, Aomori, Yamagata. Not super picky, but interested in country side. Mountains or coastal regions would be awesome too.
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
@@DestinationJapan95 We'll keep people updated as it goes along.
@yeevita
2 жыл бұрын
OMG, I totally resonated with "Show me an ancient, abandoned house that's got grass growing on the roof and I am happy." I happily agree! I love seeing traditional Japanese houses and architecture and crafts. I love the whole thing: Abandoned, history, falling down, restoration. I love it all. I also love that the restoration includes modern amenities to make the places liveable. There is no point if the whole thing sits and rots again. Buildings actually do need people to care for them. People who want to live in them will also care for the buildings.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
100% agree with you there!
@kennethbolton951
2 жыл бұрын
I lived as a teen ager in Japan in the sixties and it left such an impression with me that it has followed me everywhere I go ,(I have a xerophytic Japanese Zen Moon garden in back yard here in Tucson Az.), and when I see pictures such as these I ache with a sense of longing and remembrance. My Dad said once: "You don't assimilate Japan, it slowly assimilates you".
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Very true!
@rylandplassmann9095
2 жыл бұрын
Oh cool I live in Tucson too. Here we have mid-century homes made from baked adobe, quite a rare sight. Unfortunately many of these old buildings are being torn and being replaced with student towers. One great loss is the old barrio that was in Downtown but in the 80s was mowed down and turned into a large pubic space where I hardly seen anyone. I'm only in my 20s so I haven't seen much of what Tucson was. Hopefully historic preservation will prevail.
@shadowforgedgamerz520
Жыл бұрын
@roberttherrien352
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful . If only I was 20 years younger. That small restaurant in the mountain with the view was simply gorgeous. And that ending was so well done :)
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, yes, that restaurant was fantastic with the views and the great food.
@sticc3978
2 жыл бұрын
How old are you if I may ask?
@roberttherrien352
2 жыл бұрын
@@sticc3978 65
@ccn1364
2 жыл бұрын
@@roberttherrien352 You are considered a young man in Japan! 😄
@spoonofsyrup
2 жыл бұрын
@@ccn1364 and in Italy! Just retired and the best years of your life ahead! (And quite some great deals to travel as a retired adult)
@meisuilanellsworth6958
2 жыл бұрын
As a child, I lived in the outskirts of Tokyo in the 50's, living in an old farm house with my family. This was a wonderful video, bringing back memories of mingei living in the old Japanese way. Thank you so much. I hope you will make more of these videos, luring people from all over the world to go back to living the simple country life still possible in Japan!
@TheAcer925
2 жыл бұрын
Karl Bengs is a a role model for these restorations.He is a German architect who first visited Japan in 1966. He buys old Japanese farmhouses, rebuilds them them in his own distinctive style and with all mod cons.
@Mimeh53
2 жыл бұрын
The loss of this architecture would be the Swan Song of Japanese culture. It is one of the most astounding things about the country, one of the most beautiful aspects of Japan. You might as well just tear down the cherry blossoms. It is very heartening to know that younger Japanese are coming to the rescue. And people like you, Jaya-san, to restore and modernize an irreplaceable treasure!
@tokyospin7766
2 жыл бұрын
Been here in Japan for 6 years and Alex is my new hero.. What a legend! Must read his book . Great vid mate 👌
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
And thanks from me too!
@amysbees6686
2 жыл бұрын
@Alex Kerr Thank you is an understatement. You are amazing! Any updates on that first house? The garden alone was what historic preservation dreams are made of! My imagination is brimming with possibilities! If only money were no object! I agree with you absolutely that these old buildings need to find new purposes for modern living! As an amateur architectural historian, I know full well that people can't live in museums. People need homes and places of business. Please keep us all updated on any new/prospective projects!
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
@@amysbees6686 Thank you and I'll try to keep everyone updated on the house.
@danemcrae1371
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing views! Props to Alex for all the beautiful work he has helped preserve and improve. Got a legitimate laugh at the end there too.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dane, yes, Alex has done beautiful work. Iya does have spectacular views, especially with all the mist.
@avivasquez4189
2 жыл бұрын
This is so nice and so relaxing and nostalgic. It reminds me so much of this random show on tv way back 2004-2009-ish which features mostly rural places in japan. I loved that show so much and wasn't able to remember the name because it was written in kanji. I was in grade school back then and it was what made me fall in love with japan culture. I've said it before but visiting japan and it's rural places is one of my biggest dream and I hope to do so before I die.
@jonlilley2832
2 жыл бұрын
I lived in Kansai for nearly 18 years and everyone I spoke to told me that foreigners couldn't buy or own property in Japan regardless of size or location. Maybe I should've pressed it a bit harder, but I would've loved a challenge like this! Good luck in all your endeavours! It must be very satisfying!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It used to be the case that foreigners couldn't, but quite a few years back they removed all restrictions.
@tUiDo4
2 жыл бұрын
It saddens me when I see such beautiful homes left to waste away back into the earth. In each home you can see the love the original tenants/owners had placed into it. Every small detail here and there placed by the craftsman who built it. These homes were really built to last through their lineage only for them to not have an offspring somewhere down the line to inherit it, or their relative just didn't care to keep it because it is "old fashion". It's really a goal of my husband and I to be able to purchase and renovate a beauty such as these somewhere in our near future. Until then, these videos are AWESOME and I thank you Tokyo Llama as well as Alex Kerr for helping those of us who can't see such wonders in person, be able to see it through media
@James-hb6ee
2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video and so sad to see the almost empty, lonely villages. The empty grade school was heartbreaking. The last home you showed was right up my alley, tastewise. So serene and elegant. The ending was hilarious!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, yes, that last one with the modern irori and sofa is somewhere I could get used to living.
@davidwhite6617
Жыл бұрын
As a retired carpenter, it saddens my heart when I see all these beautiful homes all over the world being lost and abandoned. Like a grandfather you want to try and save them. I hope more young people will realize what they have and try to do things to save these places.
@launabanauna8958
Жыл бұрын
The younger generation does not have the means, or the money to have that option. People talk like it’s the younger generation’s fault that this is happening around the world. They simply cannot afford it.
@satoyama.rupert
Жыл бұрын
@@launabanauna8958 My Japan kominka cost just 6,000 dollars. So sad this price tag doesn't apply to the rest of the world. Acres and acres of land to farm on in Japan are basically free. Quite a unique country.
@govegan562
Жыл бұрын
teach me your ways of carpentry so i can buy one and restore it
@Val.Kyrie.
Жыл бұрын
My grandfather was an amazing woodworker and did all sorts of wood fitting that didn’t need nails. I wish he taught me, I want an akiya, I’m even considering doing carpentry because I want to change careers anyway. The old skills are being lost and they don’t need to be lost.
@graceonfilmsnstuff
Жыл бұрын
there are young women and people like me who will as much as we can.
@Jordan-inJapan
2 жыл бұрын
Jaya, I really enjoyed the video. Your production quality has gotten really good! Visually and content-wise, just really high interest and quality stuff. But if you ever run out of material, dont forget about me down here in Mie. Still open for that collaboration! 🍻
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jordan, I'll get down to Mie someday!
@karenstanislaw8912
2 жыл бұрын
Jaya, this was practically a meditation. Meaningful, paced beautifully, and a thoughtful, interesting and interested host guiding us through. Thank you.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome, thank you!
@rodiantorres5656
2 жыл бұрын
The ending though. It's like straight outta mystery movie.
@eviscerations
2 жыл бұрын
i've been saving for 5 years to by a minka. whenever japan will allow me to enter, i'll be taking a trip to the nagano area, where my friend has a ryokan, to scout for akiya. very appreciative of your videos, thank you!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries. Nagano is a lovely place.
@jillczerwinski8870
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing video; the houses and history. It's sad that Japan doesn't view these structures as living treasures. Kudos to those who are preserving these works of art! And getting the next generations involved.
@半々日本語ポーランド語
2 жыл бұрын
OMG ! This is a fantastic video. He did the great job restoring these house. Thank you. We need this!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries, thanks!
@MrLookitspam
Жыл бұрын
I have always loved Paris. I have never been to Japan however watching these home Reno’s on the older homes has changed my mind. I love these old homes and the lifestyle in Japan. I feel as if I’m living in a third world country in America.
@charlene6495
2 жыл бұрын
This was such an interesting video! Thank you for all the work that went into it! Architecture is such and important aspect of a country, of its culture... I really liked Alex Kerr's take on how renovating does not actually mean destroying the "soul" of what makes an old house stand out, it's enhancing and making it livable so it can continue to be what it was made to be (a house) and does not become an empty museum...
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree! Thanks.
@dot8605
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this opportunity to see the work and especially the inspiration of Alex and his organization. This was eye opening and interesting ( and very sad at the village of dolls). Your channel is so much more than you renovating your house. It gives people a look inside Japan on a very personal basis. I hope that there will be many more houses rescued and many families given the chance to live in modern comfort in their historic home. Since I live in a house that was built in 1907 I know ( on a small scale) how much there is to do to maintain an older house, but how nice it is to live in a historic building.
@RAZGR1Z
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing video, Jaya I'd love to see more of this kind of content.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I enjoyed making this one.
@Nobe_Oddy
2 жыл бұрын
OH MY GOSH!!!! this was SOOOO GOOOD!!! I can't thank you enough for sharing this little piece of heaven you get to experience everyday. Those homes were so beautiful and full of character and beauty. I am SO GLAD I discovered your channel. You have shown so much of Japan's REAL LIFE that you don't get to learn about except through this one of a kind channel. I hope you get to do something like this again. (and can take us along for the journey) I would LOVE to even hear more of Alex's story through your lens. Oh yes, I just remember you said you will have a follow up video with more details on the some of the houses. I just can't wait! I do have to say tho, I personally like your house SO MUCH MORE than the one you stayed in. That had a 'vacation' home feel to it. It reminded me of when I was younger and my parents would rent a beach house for a week in the summer. It would be decorated so beautiful, and they were always such nice houses. But they didn't truly feel like a HOME. Yes there was a lot of hard work and effort put into them, but I can just feel the LOVE that has gone into yours. Now the very first house you showed had that feel, but it just like your very first videos. I REALLY do hope that someone is able to fall in love with that home and bring it back to life with the same Love you've brought back into yours. Maybe some time in the future you'll find someone about to restore a home like you did and you get to be there with them filming their adventure and sharing it with the world. After all that's what made me fall in love with your channel in the first place. But whatever it is you do with this channel I'll be right here watching what create because I feel like you and I share a lot of the same interests in tastes. And I just LOVE see the old Japanese architecture. Thank You so much. I really enjoyed this format of just showing us a few homes, and the longer format video too. I can't wait to see more of them and hear about Alex's work. :)
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! I do have a house coming up hopefully soon with a minka renovation as a family home where I've managed to film some of their progress. Hopefully I can do something with Alex again in the future.
@k.s-b440
2 жыл бұрын
It’s like a time box. I grow up in the 70. And 80. In Japan as a foreigner from Europe, I remember a lot from these houses, of course the most from outside, when we made trips to the country side of Japan (Area of Kansai) with my Parents. I love that culture, architecture and the Japan art work. Thank’s for the nice video…. It’s reminds me to visit Japan soon again….
@BusanKevin
2 жыл бұрын
That was fantastic. I really enjoyed that. I always enjoy hearing Alex speak when he's on the Seek Sustainability Japan podcast. Nice to see him in this video.
@jennycampbell5236
2 жыл бұрын
The Vine Bridge was recently viewed in Australia on Japanese series Old Enough. Remarkable.
@justinanovak8040
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful thank you all for sharing these amazing homes with a past and now a future. Hope the movement grows.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries!
@ceas2k
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fabulous! So inspiring to hear and see. I think to not just preserve the 'old things' but to make them relevant and accessible to now is an important way to keep links to past culture.
@Sapiewithwithpeas
Жыл бұрын
Oh wow! I lived here in 2003 for a number of months as guest staff with Ginevra. We hosted so many guests who I drove to cut thatch each day, for the new roof. I think it was a place called the kyobashira pass. I drove the guests to onsen every night, and we cooked food for them as well. NHK spent a day with us filming us learning how to prepare soba noodles from raw buckwheat. It took all day! We had a dog and chickens and spent so much of each day just working to clean and make food and I’ve never slept so well because I was so tired each night! It was such a special time for me. I hope to visit again when borders open. My compliments on producing such a beautiful, evocative video that truly captures the magic of Iya and its surrounds. I felt transported back in time.
@patchkolanauthor
2 жыл бұрын
Village of the Dolls is nightmarish. But with a beautiful sentiment behind it! Fantastic documentary, TokyoLlama! Always so engaging and informative in everything you do. I too one day want to relocate and restore a home such as these.
@JAMoore-zz3ki
2 жыл бұрын
This video is something very special. I find myself deeply touched by Alex's efforts to restore historical or simply important old properties. The last part of the video, though, and that beautiful bridge.......wow. I watched all of that with my heart in my throat and a few tears in my eyes, especially when I saw all of those dolls and realized how empty that area was. Heartbreaking. The natural beauty is just stunning and the mist drifting through the mountains......oh my goodness. I can't express how peaceful that made me feel. There are no words. You have really surpassed yourself this time. This is one of your very, very best videos.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. I really enjoyed making this one and am glad to hear others have enjoyed watching it.
@PinePine
2 жыл бұрын
This is amazing! Those foggy cloudy mountains are so beautiful and peaceful. One day when I have the means I would love to restore one
@domdinging6926
Жыл бұрын
Alex Kerr’s book is invaluable. I have no idea Alex still living out there in the place he love most. This video shows the author as nice as the book’s portrays
@solarbirdyz
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, all of this is just beautiful. I'm very glad to hear that the movement to preserve some of this traditional architecture has finally started to pick up some momentum, too!
@TurbineResearch
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing this. I feel a nostalgia for something I have never experienced when I see this. 🙏🙏🙏
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries, I know what you mean.
@Bergioyn
2 жыл бұрын
It's great to see you're continuing to put more effort into the channel and the videos even with the house getting closer to being finished. I think this is easily your best video yet.
@donamorenoable
2 жыл бұрын
I learned alot! Beautiful countryside. I hope some of the communities will be revived & more historical homes updated. I thought the doll at the bus stop was a real person in the intro. 😆 Your wife at the end.
@danannield5810
2 жыл бұрын
The gentleman in this video who wrote the book , omg he is such an angel, he seems to be such an honest in heart kinda guy... tell him i said blessings and peace unto him, thanks for this video
@libertyblueskyes2564
Жыл бұрын
Fascinating and utterly charming. I hope we never lose these beautiful architectural expressions of culture.
@PeterJames468
2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video Jaya. So well filmed and presented. It is lovely that you can make the effort to show us these places even when you haven't finished the deck! Thank you.
@juderickman8275
Жыл бұрын
Most beautiful craftsmanship ever. Breathtaking terrain, breathtaking carpentry and art.
@moriko07
2 жыл бұрын
The first house you showed, the one from the Edo period, if the Mon it belongs to is correct, shows that it was inhabited by a family of Samurai of the Hidari Mitsudomoe Clan. From what little I know on the subject, one followed a path of strength, benevolence and courage. I hope that those who inherit it and go to live there will be able to appreciate its history as well as its structure and lifestyle. Yours truly.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
@jodoninja
Жыл бұрын
What an absolute perfection of a video. I love the enthusiasm and care Alex Kerr has for Japanese culture.
@florisbackx1744
2 жыл бұрын
Ah man, Shikoku really is one of the most beautiful parts of Japan.... That valley looked amazing!
@chispitablanca
2 жыл бұрын
This is so interesting! It also hits close to home because I live in a little mountain town in western Pennsylvania (United States) where the largest demographic is women aged 65+.
@lottat6003
2 жыл бұрын
What a wonderful documentary! 👏👏👏👏 I love these old Japanese houses and gardens and stayed in a hotel in Kyoto that was in a traditional style. I pray that someone will restore that first house. Old buildings everywhere should be saved and reused. ❤️ They have a soul, unlike most modern buildings. And these ones are spacious and beautiful, unlike the tiny and expensive apartments in Tokyo and other cities... 😅 I loved the sad art installation with the scarecrows. What a heartfelt statement. I also think about my own roots, the big farm where my father lived and many generations before him, now collecting dust far out in the countryside. Sad really.
@moniquehuchet3646
2 жыл бұрын
I have seen my grandmother’s village losing its population like many other rural areas in France and houses being boarded up. I was surprised to come back ten years after emigrating to Canada, to discover the houses bought by mostly Germans and slowly transformed. In western Canada history is barely 150 years old and I do not see much appreciation for « old » things, it could be biased, I am 85 :). I hope my children and grandchildren, at least one out of fourteen will share my love of history and see themselves as links between past and future. Japanese houses pull on my heart strings. Thank you for what you are doing there..
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. I have visited France many times and the first time I ever considered buying and renovating an old house was during one of those visits, but of course never did.
@NancyMarchioro
2 жыл бұрын
I’m a big fan of your channel and I have been avidly following your amazing restoration journey! With this video I have to say you have outdone yourself!! Beautifully produced and wonderfully inspiring!! I hope it will be a beacon of light in saving the Japanese heritage. Loved Learning about Alex’s journey and hope he can continue restoring and saving the countryside’s traditions. In future episodes let us know what we all can do to help.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much! Hopefully I can provide some positive news in the future on that house in Utazu, would be great if Alex could somehow work on it.
@XSpImmaLion
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing work everywhere.. on the doc, by Alex, the interview, the houses, the scenery, the information and content... everything really, kudos Jaya! Hard a task as it obviously is, I hope the efforts of people like Jaya and Alex have a secure future.... perhaps some of these towns will never become fully repopulated, I hope a few of them are, but I hope at least some of them get restored to some point even if it needs to be somehow supported by tourists and other venues. In fact, if there is one redeeming things about the entire pandemic thing, it is a hope that more venues have opened for people to live wherever they want and work from hope, so it opens a few more doors towards people being able to move away from cities, restore and rebuild incredible places like these, and be able to live closer to nature if they so wish. It's not only about the incredible and unique architecture, which these places already hands down have... but I think a whole ton of philosophy, Japanese aesthetics, and traditional sense lies intrinsically linked to places like those. In the sense you are not only losing the physical spaces and traditional architecture of Japan, you are slowly also losing the traditional culture, aesthetics, art and philosophy of an entire era. And mind you, I like modern Japan a whole ton, nothing against it. But I think it shines best when it's living in harmony with tradition, history, and this sort of philosophy steeped in deep cultural roots, in a very uniquely Japanese kinda way. xD It's the mix that always impressed me the most. Anyways, incredible work... re-sharing wherever I can. :D
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Well said. It appears that there has been a movement of people buying properties in the countryside, not just as second homes, as Japan has done better than I expected in terms of working remotely since the pandemic. Seems quite a few companies are now downsizing Tokyo offices and allowing staff to work from home.
@petermorrill6864
2 жыл бұрын
We were at Chiiori the day after you and Alex filmed this. My wife and I spent 2 weeks scouting Shikoku for relocation. Thank you for bringing attention to Shikoku. We meet wonderful people all over the island.
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, we must have just missed you when you visited Chiiori. I'm glad you got to see it.
@petermorrill6864
2 жыл бұрын
We were so moved by your home that we took almost no video/pics. So it is an amazing gift to have this video to relive the time. Turns out I had also read Dogs and Demons back when it came out, but didn't make the connection until having a beer with your on-site manager.
@alexakerr1
2 жыл бұрын
@@petermorrill6864 Dogs and Demons is hard core - if you've read that, appreciate what it says, and are still enjoying the good sides of Japan, then you're a true Japan lover.
@petermorrill6864
2 жыл бұрын
@@alexakerr1 My wife is Japanese, and I worked as a salaryman in Tokyo for 5 years. I suspect I'm a lot like you with a deep love of Japan and the Japanese, while being realistic about the shortcomings. That said, every village we scouted on this trip invited me to be part of the 消防団, so I know we could find our place again.
@ThisReactiverse
2 жыл бұрын
Seeing the village of dolls actually got me pretty emotional. It's a dying of a key part of Japanese culture. So many stories we won't get to hear.
@kgal63
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the day trip. I really enjoy the excursions you take us on. Japan is such a beautiful country. The ride on the curvy road was great and would be a lot of fun on a motorcycle. 🤗
@elizzievb
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, Japan I love you so! Beauty and soul everywhere - the land and the people. Such politeness always. Such innate creativity. Astounding. Thank you Llama for shining a light on this heartbreaking situation. The Village of Dolls was so gut wrenching. I have hope that perhaps now that people can work from home via the internet, maybe some younger people will move to the country? There must be an answer! These beautiful houses MUST be saved somehow. Thank you to Mr. Kerr and you Llama Sir- you are amazing! Much love from Oregon. ❤
@elizzievb
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, I totally missed Mrs. Llama’s comment at the end! Hahahaha! Get that deck finished Llama! ❤❤
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes, we're already seeing some Japanese moving out to the country now with remote working becoming quite widely adopted here, so that's a positive.
@_Ben4810
2 жыл бұрын
A truly wonderful video, the houses were breathtaking, the people so polite, gentle & kind & at 36:55 that food look amazing... I will now try & source a copy of Alex's book also, Thank You Jaya for showing us these absolute gems of Japanese life.
@QueenWendyLu
2 жыл бұрын
Such natural beauty. It takes such love and patience to restore these beauties. When you see them they are unloved and wanting. But with care and time…. She is once again the most beautiful girl at the ball. Sheer magic.
@whitneylake2107
2 жыл бұрын
Breathtaking ! The attentions given to the minutest detail ... I felt like I was dreaming. Thank you for the magical tours
@sukotu23
6 ай бұрын
35:30 - good lord that view and village is breathtaking. Reminds me of some small villages I grew up in, in the Scottish Highlands - just with more trees! Japan has such beautiful countryside. Thanks to you and @alexkerr1 for recording this!
@BenjiSun
2 жыл бұрын
i wonder how much it would be to get a place like that first house? the Edo jidai furnishings inside alone would be incredible. i love those chests(are they for keeping kimono?) and the tansu drawers. i want to get a warehouse just to collect those from akiya and restore them to like-new condition, or upcycle broken ones into other kinds of furniture. all that beautiful old wood...
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Depends on how much the owners really want to sell it. Those chests are for general storage and transport. Agree, beautiful old wood.
@CameliaKay9804
2 жыл бұрын
I was wondering the price range as well
@pamkowal7464
2 жыл бұрын
What an amazing glimpse into rural Japan. The village of scarecrows was absolutely haunting. Wow!
@alexstrolls801
2 жыл бұрын
I love that in recent years the restoration of these old houses are rising. It would be so sad to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world disappear.
@greenhometony
2 жыл бұрын
That ending is what my home is like, whether I have remodeled or built new. I actually saw it as very funny, I am not the only one😉 I feel like I need to watch this several times to soak it all in. Great video haven't watched in a while, you are becoming a master.🖖
@willpugh-calotte2199
2 жыл бұрын
Lovely video. Thank you, Jaya, and thank you to Alex for making the time to let us into his world as well. And you've already foreshadowed a follow-up video? Great! I've seen the village of the dolls on a couple of other channels previously, but it doesn't lose its impact when I see it again. I wonder if the lady who has made all those dolls has also made one of herself and given instructions around the village where to eventually deploy "her" (assuming that she's not the last one to depart)?
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
That would be interesting to know. We did try to speak to her but she wasn't in (or maybe hiding as probably tired of doing these interviews).
@deborahmarion9038
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking us along on this journey, I thoroughly enjoyed it. These old homes, even in their disrepair, are beautiful. Although, it is heartbreaking to see them sit abandoned.
@murry001
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, last time i visited Japan i loved seeing the traditional style homes. They have so much more character
@carlagrs
2 жыл бұрын
We have the same phenomenon in Italy. The younger are now returning to remodel and live or do some bnb in their grandparents old abandoned homes. But here it is really hard and expensive to renew an old house because lots of them are made in stone and wood, the man hours are very expensive and it requires lots of skill to diy. But they are rising again. I like to think these houses are living elements that also have their ups and downs in life. And some die, some come back to life, some evolve, some outlive us for centuries. Loved the documentary format. Saluto from Italy 🇮🇹✌🏼✨
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, that's interesting to hear that the younger are now returning in Italy too. Can imagine the stone makes it extra hard compared with the wood here.
@russellharvey698
Жыл бұрын
Those houses towards the end of the video... stunning...and the countryside incredible.
@ChristopherCricketWallace
2 жыл бұрын
the realness of that finish was fantastic. I felt his terror.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
😁
@MsSephrena
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely Wonderful - Most enjoyable and heart-warming seeing the fabulous restorations - Thank you so much for sharing....
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries!
@tenminutetokyo2643
Жыл бұрын
Incredible. Your cinematography has reached new levels.
@IPC0101
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful restoration, your filming is like your woodwork, well crafted
@TokyoLlama
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😀
@mortallychallenged1436
2 жыл бұрын
I know a little woodworking (mostly building furniture with reclaimed wood, made my own tools,...) but I am no way near the level of those craftsmen that made the joints for these houses. That being said, I have the dream of buying some old Japanese house outside the city and restoring/rebuilding it, while mixing old techniques (elements and earthquake in mind) with new technology (insulation, wiring, pipes, safety, energy) and make it go off-grid as far as possible. If someone could tell me some kind of book with construction/instruction plans for building a Japanese style house, I would be happy and might try out building it myself in miniature model to improve my understanding of this type of construction.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
You could try The Genius of Japanese Carpentry by Azby Brown.
@nvllnvoid4619
2 жыл бұрын
if you do happen to build one, i'd love to see the result!
@tirasraduan8030
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for highlighting Chiiori and Iya Valley. I have been following the story of Alex Kerr, volunteers of that tachet roof house and Iya since early 1995. Already forgot the house name. There is a lot of improvement had been done. Hoping that one day I could visit Shikoku Island, strolling the old town, climbing up to Iya Valley and stayed at Chiiori. But before that I will be for sure visiting my host family (Okasan and Otosan) at Shizuoka first. It has been 7 years since my last visit to Japan.
@Hethern
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, and oh how I love rural Japan it's just beautiful!!
@pennyarts886
2 ай бұрын
Thank you for showing us this video and take us seeing all these historic japanese houses and after being restored, it is so beautiful, all the beams and structures. It's a good place for meditation.I can understand how he feels sad. 😢
@seannewell397
2 жыл бұрын
So many breathtaking scenes. Amazing.
@myxomatosisity9977
2 жыл бұрын
Great video Jaya! It shows that you've been having fun and learning lots since starting on KZitem. Those driving timelapse still make me nauseous tho lol. I'm going to be in Hokkaido for three months starting in September. I've been wanting a place in Hokkaido since I first went there in 2013, before I had ever heard of akiya. Do you know of any resources, like a broker of some kind, to help someone with poor nihongo through the purchasing process (other than those two fellows you previously did a video with)?
@andydelarue9344
2 жыл бұрын
This place needs a tv Reno show like the block in Australia , but high quality and the history, great stuff thanks for showing
@theresac.3216
2 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy these videos and appreciate that you post them! Well done!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, glad you like them.
@ssjwes
Жыл бұрын
I've always love wood work in a home so seeing these is blowing me away.
@Peekingduck
2 жыл бұрын
Wish I had the Skills, visa, money and opportunity to do what you've done. I've followed you since the beginning and it's so inspirational to watch. Thanks for these videos you share.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
No worries, thanks for watching.
@sarkavlkova8231
2 жыл бұрын
I hope that the 1st house get bought and renovated cuz it is seriously pretty. Also Alex deserves a medal
@ratsu2641
2 жыл бұрын
Stunning homes that if marketed correctly could save these towns :) you have made this a dream of mine to own one these one day :) also wild wife encounter appears at the end of video ?
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Nice! What wildlife did you see? I didn't notice anything!
@ldco1
2 жыл бұрын
"So when are you going to finish the deck" at the end was the best🤣🤣
@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325
2 жыл бұрын
One of your best video's you have made. I didn't realize these beautiful buildings were in such bad condition. If a person wanted to know how much one of these buildings would cost and how much it would cost to restore. What is the process we have to go through?
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
There's no definitive listing but there are various sites you can see them (my website has some listed). Some are almost free depending on location. But most are not listed, need to rely on word of mouth. Costs to restore would begin at around USD 75-100K to as expensive as you'd like...
@AngelaMerici12
Жыл бұрын
My grandpa life for some time in Japan and it changed him forever. I dream to go there too. I breaks my heart to see those abandoned houses but thankfully the young generations are taking interest ☺️👍!
@destinationhome1
Жыл бұрын
spent 2 weeks back in December 2005 cutting thatch for the project with the staff Bo and Wayne and other volunteers at the time, was a great experience and nice way to end my 6 months in japan at the time.
@DrZark
2 жыл бұрын
I really wish I could but that first house.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, would be amazing once fixed up.
@DrZark
2 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLlama On a side note what was the name of the first song you used on the video?
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
The one played during the first intro? That's called State of Zen by Mandala Dreams.
@DrZark
2 жыл бұрын
@@TokyoLlama Thanks, the second one I actually got the Album thanks to one of your previous videos. I really like the music that you use on the videos.
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
@@DrZark Awesome. I really enjoy searching for and getting the right music for my videos.
@zonaxoxo
2 жыл бұрын
This is amazing! I've loved watching you restore your own home, and am even more intrigued by all of the older and intricate Japanese architecture you've shared. To even see a home still standing from the Edo era is incredible. It's so great to see all of this beautiful heritage restored and preserved. I wish we could somehow save all of these gorgeous pieces of history, it's like you're brought back in time when entering them. Love your content, you can really see your passion shine through. I'm super excited to see your channel grow!!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! Hopefully that house can be saved, as well as many others.
@jasontucher7011
Жыл бұрын
These houses are more beautiful than I ever would have imagined. Thanks for sharing.
@TokyoLlama
Жыл бұрын
No worries! Thanks for watching!
@lilgrannyari
2 жыл бұрын
When I see footage of these villages filled with dolls all I can feel is extreme grief and loss. The people who made and arranged these dolls are mourning what once was and is now lost. No more neighborly greetings, laughing school children, or all the other everyday signs of life. When I lived in countryside of Yamaguchi, I couldn't understand why my friends wanted to live in the urban areas. The magic of Japan is in the small villages and countryside. I hope that we see more people like you, Jaya, who seek peace and small joys of living close to nature. Maybe then these quiet villages filled with dolls will once again host the sounds of life and people.
@Erika-gm2tf
2 жыл бұрын
So incredibly inspiring. The video made me cry. Traditional Japanese architechture always tears at my heartstrings. I've never been, but must go. I love the ending. 😆
@amgguy4319
Жыл бұрын
I feel like I was just on vacation. Now I want one of these amazing old historic homes.
@uniotter2662
Жыл бұрын
I've been following your restoration with interest, and just now caught up with this video. What a beautiful countryside -- you captured the green and mists and old buildings so well. It was haunting and sad seeing the village of the dolls, but that restaurant made my mouth water. And what a resource Alex is! Thank you for sharing this.🙏
@AlfordLau
Жыл бұрын
I totally agreed with Alex and your approach in restoring the homes into something that are updated and comfortably useable. Cool ending with a hint of a sequel ... haha.
@EraldoFilms
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent! I'm so happy of this new awareness and hope more of these houses can be restored and cherished. Good job!
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Adrian!
@tinekejoldersma
2 жыл бұрын
That bamboo roof of the old house 💗breathtakingly beautiful. The chests are stunning. The craftsmanship in carving, staining, and putting together without screws in those ages was so near perfect. The garden made me drool. Alex was a perfect guide. His love for the old Japan, to keep it alive is admirable. You may take filming even slower, so we can admire it more. Your wife is so humoristic. When are you going to finish the deck by the way 🤣🤣🤣
@TokyoLlama
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tineke, I'll try to capture as much as I can! Yes, my wife is "funny" - deck will be finish shortly...
@josecampos-UCDM
Жыл бұрын
Great report.thanks for show it ❤ I have also restored a traditional Canarian house that is more than 150 years old and now it is my home. Btw... designing right now the small garden into a kind of japanese style. with small waterfall using left over stones the house and a wooden torii.
@shirleypeters
2 жыл бұрын
Can’t believe I’ve only just discovered your channel. My next binge!! (And I’m buying Alex’s book!)
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