Ghiffari Notes

Thursday, September 19, 2019

2:34 PM

Traditional Japanese
Houses

Clues Main Notes

Minka? Minka (traditional Japanese houses), are characterized by sliding doors, tatami mat
flooring, and wooden engawa.

Characteristic traditional Japanese buildings is the dominance of wood, because of the risk of
earthquakes. Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist beliefs influenced architecture right down to
the residential level, with buildings reflecting a strong emphasis on humans’
with nature.

Tatami? is a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms. Made
using rice straw to form the core.

Genkan? an entrance hall where people remove their footwear. After removal, shoes are put in
the getabako, or wooden clogs cabinet.

Fusuma, and Shōji
Rooms are divided by partitions made from washi, Japanese paper. To enter, slide the
door along its wooden rail. There is fusuma and shōji,
• Fusuma use heavier paper or sometimes cloth and are opaque, serving as a
more distinct barrier.
• Shōji are lighter than fusuma, paper affixed to a wooden lattice. They prevent
people from seeing through, but brighten up rooms by allowing light to pass.

Engawa Is a wooden veranda that runs around the outside edge of the house, like an outdoor
corridor.

Futon Bed Futon are traditional Japanese bedding. Put on the floor at night for sleeping. They
could be easily rolled up during the day when they were not needed.

Summary
Traditional Japanese houses ( Minka ) are dominance of wood. The reason why the wood
material is used for reduce the risk of earthquake. Traditional japanese architecture also
reflecting a strong humans relationship with nature. Some elements that can found in the
Minka, just like Tatami, Genkan, Engawa, Fusuma and Shōji, the last is Futon.

Traditional Japanese Page 1