| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SHIMODA, Shizuoka Prefecture: In Japan, it takes a lot of effort to maintain historical homes as the country is frequently hit by natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes.
In order to receive government aid, many of such homes are designated cultural assets and open to the public.
In Shimoda on the tip of the Izu Peninsula, you can see many structures called sea cucumber walled houses because of the design.
The house owned by the Suzuki family is the most famous one in the area. It is a designated historical structure.
The home is believed to have been constructed 250 years ago. In 1854, it was partially destroyed due to a big tsunami. It was reconstructed. Since then, 16 generations have looked after the house.
Keisuke Suzuki, chairman, Shizuoka Prefecture Association, said: "Please watch your step. It's been like this since the old days. You call this "tataki". It wasn't made of concrete. It was made of dirt. But it was so dusty. This is what we have now."
A big wooden pillar serves as the foundation of the house.
Inside, the layout is typical of a traditional home with tatami mats and rooms partitioned by sliding doors.
The home has many other reminders of Yukio Hatoyama's grandfather, who was a former Prime Minister.
For example, a calligraphy read "fraternity", a word the current prime minister often uses.
The Suzuki family were originally seaweed traders.
And interestingly, the walls of the house are made of seaweed mixed with dirt.
Today, Keisuke's 88-year-old sister-in-law, Hideko lives here with her helper.
She said: "It's relaxing here. Cars go by but it's quiet. The sea cucumber walls are thick. They act like soundproof devices. It's pretty warm here during the winter, quite cool in the summer."
Keisuki sometimes stays in the house across from Hideko's.
It used to have sea cucumber walls, but he removed them to save the trouble of constant repair.
He's also renovated much of the inside. - CNA/vm
|
