Minka Summit 2022
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 April
KOMINKA JAPAN is proud to announce a 3-day event for English-speaking enthusiasts of traditional Japanese homes, to be held in the village of Hanase, Kyoto.
What’s on at Minka Summit 2022
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![All our guest speakers]()
Talks and Q&As with guest speakers
Minka Summit 2022 is proud to host a series of lectures and panel discussions with some of the world’s most respected Japanologists, craftspeople, architects, sustainability and community-building experts and minka enthusiasts - including Jaya “Tokyo Llama” Thursfield, Azby Brown, and our keynote speaker and Guest of Honour, Alex Kerr.
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Workshops and demos
Carpenters and other specialists will demonstrate traditional Japanese joinery and other carpentry methods, along with a range of other hands-on experiences. All workshops will be in English, or Japanese with English translation.
A complete list of workshops will be announced shortly. -
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Minka tours
Tours of local area minka, including renovated minka, minka undergoing renovation, and minka for-sale will be offered. Owners, realtors, and Akiya Bank representatives will be onsite to answer questions, and in some instances, an experienced carpenter, historian, or other specialists will also be available.
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Keynote Speech with Evening Dinner
Join us for a sit-down full-course meal of specially selected dishes, highlighted by the event’s Keynote Speech from our Guest of Honor, Alex Kerr.
SOLD OUT: Due to popular demand, add-on tickets for the keynote speech have now sold out. But don't worry! Alex will be signing books, conversing with all MINKA SUMMIT guests over the weekend, and joining in the fun! -
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Minka Mall
Here you’ll find a variety of booths manned by Akiya Bank representatives, wood stove dealers, minka roofing specialists, Akiya program reps, organic farming organizations, local merchants, antique dealers specializing in minka furnishings, and much, much more!
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Fun and festivities
In between the talks, activities, and tours, attendees will have the chance to unwind and explore the beautiful woodland parks of the village of Hanase. In the evenings, there will be opportunities to gather informally with fellow minka-minded people from near and far.
Minka Summit 2022 will bring together current owners of traditional Japanese homes from across the country with people considering acquiring a minka or machiya of their own.
This distinctive 3-day event will provide a rare opportunity for English-speaking minka fans to interact and make like-minded friends, network with new contacts, exchange information, and share suggestions, tips, and ideas in a pleasant, festive environment.
“In making for ourselves a place to live, we first spread a parasol to throw a shadow on the earth, and in the pale light of the shadow we put together a house.”
― Junichiro Tanizaki
In Praise of Shadows
MINKA SUMMIT 2022
Event schedule
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From 15:00
Registration/check-in
The SUMMIT starts here, where pre-registered and walk-in attendees check-in. All guests will receive a name badge and pre-registered guests will also receive a free gift bag. From here you’ll want to visit the adjacent Minka Tour Sign-Up table.
Minka tour sign-up
After registering each guest will be directed to our Minka Tour Sign-Up Tables, divided into two categories: Renovated Minka & Minka for Sale. You’ll see photos and information for each minka, its location relative to the Event Site with directions, travel times, and Google Map links, etc. You’ll get to choose which minka you’d like to tour, and when. Simply sign-up for the available time-slots you prefer. Minka carpenters and akiya bank representatives will be available at select locations.
17:00-21:00
Meet & greet
A festive gathering of minka people from across Japan, with free finger-food and soft drinks served. Alcoholic beverages tentatively available at an additional charge.
19:00-19:15
Welcome speech
A brief welcome speech to all attendees, including MINKA SUMMIT 2022’s Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. At this time, we’ll also be providing you with additional information and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
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8:00-13:00
Minka Tours
Various Locations
Tours of local area minka, including renovated minka, minka undergoing renovation, and minka for-sale. Owners and realtors/akiya bank representatives will be on-site to answer your questions, and in some instances an experienced carpenter, historian or other specialist will be at site.
Most minka will be short drive (5-30 minutes) from the convention. The sign-up sheet noted above and map apps will help you plan your personal itinerary.
12:00-17:00
Workshops and Lectures
Suihoso/Main Building, 1st and 2nd Floors
Guest speakers:Lauren Scharf
Chuck Kayser
Jonanthan Stollenmeyer & Kohei Yamamoto
Marcus Consolini
Community Relations Panel: with Rebecca Otowa, Lee Xian Jie and Shelley Clarke
Two second-floor conference rooms (which will be combined into one for larger events) are the setting for a variety of lectures and panel discussions ranging from the process of finding and buying a minka through renovation options, as well as talks about creating sustainable rural communities and community interaction with longtime residents.
Meanwhile, in the first-floor lobby area and elsewhere, carpenters and other specialists will demonstrate traditional Japanese joinery and other carpentry methods, along with other hands-on workshops.12:00-18:00
Minka Mall
Mori Ai-kan/Sports Building
In this vast space you’ll find information booths manned by akiya bank representatives, maki stove dealers and minka roofing specialists, akiya program reps, organic farming organizations, local merchants, antique dealers specializing in minka fusuma, irori, tansu…and more!
The full complete list of exhibitors shall be announced shortly
18:30-20:00
Dinner & Keynote speech featuring Alex Kerr
SOLD OUT: Due to popular demand, add-on tickets for the keynote speech have now sold out. But don't worry! Alex will be signing books, conversing with all MINKA SUMMIT guests over the weekend, and joining in the fun!Join us for a sit-down full-course meal highlighted by the event’s Keynote Speech from our Guest of Honor, Alex Kerr. Vegetarian options available. Alcoholic beverages available at an additional charge.
17:00-21:00
Minka Summit Party
A second festive gathering of minka-minded people. Alcoholic beverages available at an additional charge.
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8:00-13:00
Minka Tours
Various Locations
Tours of local area minka, including renovated minka, minka undergoing renovation, and minka for-sale. Owners and realtors/akiya bank representatives will be on-site to answer your questions, and in some instances an experienced carpenter, historian or other specialist will be at site.
Most minka will be short drive (5-20 minutes) from the convention. The sign-up sheet noted above and map apps will help you plan your personal itinerary.
10:00-15:00
Minka Mall
Mori Ai-kan/Sports Building
In this vast space you’ll find information booths manned by akiya bank representatives, maki stove dealers and minka roofing specialists, akiya program reps, organic farming organizations, local merchants, antique dealers specializing in minka fusuma, irori, tansu…and more!
12:00-15:00
Workshops and Lectures
Suihoso/Main Building, 1st and 2nd Floors
Guest speakers:Jaya Thursfield (aka ‘Tokyo Llama’)
Kyle Holzhueter
Tomoko Kawata
JJ Walsh
Azby Brown
Two second-floor conference rooms (which will be combined into one for larger events) are the setting for a variety of lectures and panel discussions TBA ranging from the process of finding and buying a minka through renovation options, as well as talks about creating sustainable rural communities and integrating new arrivals with longtime residents.
Meanwhile, in the first-floor lobby area and elsewhere, carpenters and other specialists will demonstrate traditional Japanese joinery and other carpentry methods, along with other hands-on workshops.
15:00-15:30
Closing Ceremony
Mori Ai-kan/Sports Building
Closing remarks, group photo, plus announcements and thanks from the MINKA SUMMIT 2022 Team
Escape the urban life and surround yourself with the beauty of nature in Hanase, Kyoto.
Event details
Tickets
We have both single-day tickets and 3-day passes available, plus the option to upgrade to a premium ticket which includes a full-course Japanese meal plus a seat at the Minka Summit 2022 keynote speech from our guest of honour Alex Kerr (limited number of premium tickets are available). Tickets are available for sale with our chosen ticketing partner Peatix.
Venue and local area
Minka Summit 2022 will be held at Hanase Resort Sansoto-shi Koryu no Mori, in the rural village of Hanase, Kyoto prefecture, Japan. The beautiful natural scenery and places of local interest dotted around the picturesque valleys will make for an exciting yet comfortable off-the-beaten-track experience.
How to get there
Hanase Resort Sansoto-shi Koryu no Mori (山村都市交流の森) in Hanase, Kyoto prefecture is approximately one hour by car north of central Kyoto, or by the local Kyoto Bus service. We’ve got all the details ready for you to plan your journey.
Where to stay
Hanase (and neighboring village Hirogawara) offer a wide range of accommodation, from modesty-priced traditional minka inns to luxury ryokan, and even camping, all within a 5-15 minutes’ drive from the venue. We’ve created a list of options for your convenience.
Where to eat
Dining options will be available both on-site, and throughout the local area.
Full details to be confirmed.
Minka Summit 2022 Official Sponsors
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DAIMON BREWERY
Official Premium Corporate Sponsor
www.daimonbrewery.com -
![SASAYURI-ANN logo]()
SASAYURI-ANN
Corporate Sponsor
www.mindfulness-stay.jp
We look forward to welcoming you.
Minka Summit 2022
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 April
Hanase, Kyoto, Japan