People throughout the world are becoming interested in Japanese culture, and in particular, many have developed an appreciation for the simple beauty of Japanese architecture, which is an inseparable part of Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. At Ishikawa Komusho, we try to keep Japanese culture alive by assisting those who want to restore or construct traditional buildings both in Japan and overseas.
Chashitsu (tea ceremony room)
Photo left: Nezu memorial center, Photo right: Andoh-ke
For those who practice “sado” – the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, there is no better venue than your own tea ceremony room. The design of a tea room determines the placement of each utensil – the fire box (ro), the kettle (kama) and cold water container (mizusashi), and even the behavior of the tea ceremony guest. In addition, while the room is built of natural materials – wood, bamboo and earth – the selection of materials for each part of the room and the methods of construction are extremely important in determining the overall “balance”. Ishikawa Komusho has extensive knowledge and experience in traditional construction methods, and we can take care of all the details of material selection, design and construction.
Zendo (zen meditation hall)
Photo : Kohgaku-ji
Though zen provided the inspiration for the Japanese tea ceremony, this Japanese meditative form has a wide-ranging cultural influence that speaks to people worldwide. The work of zen teachers such Professor D.T. Suzuki has introduced zen to an English-speaking audience and spread its influence to all corners of the world. Zen is not a philosophy that can be understood in an intellectual sense, but rather an experience which one cultivates by the act of “sitting” (zazen), and focusing the mind in one-pointed meditation. Ishikawa Komusho is responding to increased interest in zen among people overseas, by helping them build a zendo (meditation hall). We can consult with you to build a separate hall, or can design a zendo to occupy an existing space in your home.
Minka (traditional Japanese homes)
Photo left: Kanzoh Yashiki, Photo right: Takano-ke
Japanese architecture as expressed in the traditional Japanese home, or “minka”, relies on entirely natural materials – wood, earth, bamboo and paper – to create a beautiful yet functional living space. As people outside Japan become more interested in ecologically friendly traditional Japanese architecture, Ishikawa Komusho is working to assist overseas customers who wish to build traditional Japanese structures, whether for a house, restaurant, resort facility, gallery or other use. We are also able to transport and reassemble existing Japanese structures in an overseas location, handling all aspects from dismantling the structure to shipping and reassembling it in the desired location.