Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
48 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11
From Fodder to Roofing: Pampas Grass and Thatched Roofs in Modern-Day Japan
Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 08:02・2024/02/28
For over five centuries, pampas grass was ingrained in the daily lives of the Japanese people. It served not only as fodder for cattle and horses but also as a key component for thatched roofs.
Following World War II, the surge in economic growth had a profound impact on the landscape of traditional houses, which underwent a transformation into Western-inspired designs along with a shift in roofing materials. Additionally, the utilization of natural roofing materials became restricted, primarily confined to heritage sites as dictated by revised building codes.
Despite its low-tech nature as a roofing material, thatched houses are renowned for their natural cooling in the summer, rendering air conditioning unnecessary. Come winter, the thick thatch provides insulation, keeping the interiors comfortably warm.
While thatched roofs are commonly associated with farmhouses and mountain dwellings today, certain structures like buildings and gates at shrines and temples continue to embrace this traditional roofing material.
In terms of longevity, thatched roofs endure for 20 to 40 years, contingent upon the grass type and local climate, before the need for re-thatching arises.
Presently, there exists a shortage of skilled thatchers, posing a challenge to the preservation of this ancient craft for future generations.
Situated on the Asagiri Plateau, a mere 16-minute drive (12.3 km) from Lake Tanuki, lies an expansive pampas grass field with the majestic Mt. Fuji as its backdrop. The grass undergoes harvest in early December, contributing to nationwide repairs on cultural landmarks, including national treasures and significant cultural properties.
References:
- Google Maps: Lake Tanuki (田貫湖)
- Cabinet Office, Government of Japan: Thatched Impressions
- Mara Budgen: Haruo Nishio: ‘Thatched roofs tell a story of eternity’ (English)
- George Lloyd: Thatch: humble yet elegant roofing material in search of a new lease of life (English)
- Google Maps: Asagiri Plateau
- Fujinomiya City: Asagiri Plateau Pampas Grass (Japanese)
- Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System: Minka (English)
- Japanese-English Bilingual Corpus of Wikipedia's Kyoto Articles: Thatch (English/Japanese)
- Kumagai Master Thatchers Co. Ltd. (English)
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