Ordinary homes in Japan
The rapid turnover of homes in shaky and humid (read mouldy) Japan means that we can see time. The early 80’s saw legislation for more flexible structures to withstand earthquakes and then again in the 90’s. Now when the bigger (horizontal) shakes do hit, there is generally a lot less destruction. However, there is also a tendency to tear down old buildings as new builds are less expensive (and more convenient) than reinforcing the old ones.
Like fast fashion in clothes, in Japan we have fast fashion in houses.
Murakami, Japan 2021
Built mid ‘70s, this Niigata house replaced a 4th generation farmhouse in order to attract a wife for the eldest son. The women no longer have to wipe the woodwork down every morning. Farming has been mechanised since the green revolution and there is no need for a big labour force any more. Built for multigenerational living, now this homestead houses only one couple.
