Japanese Country Style: Putting New Life into Old Houses (Hardcover)

by Yoshihiro Takishita (Author) "I was born and raised in a town called Shirotori, in the Gujo region of Gifu Prefecture..." (more)
Key Phrases: Fukui Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Takishita House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"[Takishita's] work is not only interesting and stimulating -- it is inspiring." -- Donald Richie, The Japan Times

"…showcases the artful blending of traditional Japanese elements for modern living." -- Associated Press

Review

"[Takishita's] work is not only interesting and stimulating-it is inspiring." -Donald Richie, The Japan Times
"Yoshihiro Takishita sees [Japanese firm houses] as a uniquely pure form of Japanese building because they were created during the era when the country had closed itself off from the rest of the world." -The Washington Post
"...showcases the artful blending of traditional Japanese elements for modern living." -Associated Press


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Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (May 31, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770027613
• ISBN-13: 978-4770027610
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #382,516 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Japanese Country Style: Putting New Life into Old Houses, July 25, 2005

By	Margaret Yim - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Enjoyable reading. The author lovingly describes how he relocated and remodeled a selection of traditional Japanese farm houses that otherwise would have been destroyed. The descriptions of each house includes anectodal notes as well as beautiful photos of the houses interiors & exteriors. Thank goodness there are people who are interested in preserving a nation's cultural heritage.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Joy to Enjoy, November 24, 2007

By	Adrienne Wilson (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book after reading John Roderick's book 'Minka' which came out in September this year. 'Minka' is all about the loving restoration of a 200 year old Japanese farmhouse. Having been fortunate enough to live in Japan for 3 years from 1997 til 2,000 and having visited several minka while there,I loved this book for its inspirational delivery. That book then lead me to this next book 'Japanese Country Style' because it is written by the Japanese architect/art dealer who was responsible for moving the original minka in the first book. It shows all the minka he has been responsible for lovingly rescuing, restoring and adapting to modern day living requirements. I am planning a trip to Japan specifically to visit some of these wonderful buildings. They have spirit and beauty.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Detail, June 6, 2009

By	Ronin - See all my reviews

Very nice book with many examples of traditional rural Japanese homes including minka and gassho styles, timberframes and lots of tatami. Many of the homes are traditional with modern infusions, and may have furniture. If you are designing a new home, there are many excellent ideas displayed throughout the book. There are also many architectural schematics, and the text is presented in both english & Japanese.

I also recommend "Japanese Folkhouses", by Carver, which I prefer between the two.