My cousin Grant arrived in Tokyo on May 13. On May 14 we took the bullet train to Osaka, and then traveled to Wakayama, where we stayed with Kudo-san. On May 15 the three of us went to Kyoto to see the Aoi festival, one of Kyoto’s three famous festivals. In contrast to the Japanese Matsuri of common folk, the Aoi festival was traditionally observed by the aristocracy. On May 16 I traveled to northern Kyoto-Prefecture to conduct research while Kudo-san showed Grant around Kansai (the Osaka, Kyoto, Nara region). Have been studying traditional Japanese architecture, timber framing, and earthen plasters. Notice that the pillars of this massive structure are not anchored to the ground. Simply the weight of the building holds it in place and allows it to move slightly in the event of an earthquake. Traditionally, temples and shrines are roofed with Japanese Cypress bark, while homes, etc. are roofed with thatch, straw, or tile.
Unfortunately traditional roofing methods and materials are becoming less common. In fact, many thatch roofs are covered with metal. Notice the door of this storage building is built of earth plastered on an internal wooden frame.
Rain-screens to protect gable ends. And when not protected. Notice the wooden bars preventing a burglar from breaking in through the window are implanted in the thick earthen plaster.

On May 17, participated in an earthen plastering workshop at the straw bale milk processing plant in Kyoto-Prefecture. On May 18 I stayed with the Okunushi family (Satoru, Namiko, Shino-chan, Fumi-chan).They're renovating an old Japanese farm house. Wide concrete sink, wood fired bath, etc.On May 24 and 25, my research studio baked and sold pizzas at an art event in Fujino, a community in the mountains of Kanagawa.