Roofing

In commemoration of the special exhibition [roofing-roof made of grass and wood-], a thatched experience class was held. Lecturers are Ueno of the Japan Thatched Cultural Association and thatched craftsmen in the Tsukuba region of Ibaraki Prefecture. Under the guidance of craftsmen, we challenge thatching of "Tsukuba-style"!

Mr. Hiroyama, the master of thatch craftsman, is a veteran who has been involved in thatching for more than 50 years. I'm also working hard to develop my disciples.

First of all, start with the practice of the basic "rope knotting". A young craftsman will teach you how to tie it to various parts, including the roof base. It looks simple, and it's hard to remember!

Creating a foundation for the roof. Thick bamboo and thin bamboo are crossed and tied with a rope to create a base for fixing the kaya.

Place the kaya on the roof base, hold it with bamboo from above, pass the rope, and use the "foot" to firmly hold the kaya on the base. This is a fixation method called "Tooshimono" unique to the Tsukuba region. Skilled craftsmen have great momentum and flexibility when swinging their feet! (Participants are struggling.)

After a few steps of the kaya, cut the kaya with a large scissors.

I'm trying to prepare Japanese pampas grass. We select durable kaya that can be used for roofs.
The kaya used for thatching in the Tsukuba region is "Shima Gaya", a specialty of Kasumigaura, and is a thin and flexible type. Shima Gaya seems to be economical in terms of labor costs because it hardly requires this sorting work.

It was a day when I was able to feel refreshed.
Thank you very much to everyone who came here. Thank you very much for your attention!