Minka Summit 2022

Minka Summit 2022 was 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.

Carpenters and other specialists demonstrated traditional Japanese joinery and other carpentry methods, along with a range of other hands-on experiences. All workshops were available in English, or Japanese with English translation.

Visitors enjoyed tours of local area minka, including renovated minka, minka undergoing renovation, and minka for-sale. Owners, realtors, and Akiya Bank representatives were onsite to answer questions, and in some instances, an experienced carpenter, historian, or other specialists were also available.

A huge hall was filled with 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!

In between the talks, activities, and tours, attendees had the chance to unwind and explore the beautiful woodland parks of the village of Hanase. In the evenings, there were be opportunities to gather informally with fellow minka-minded people from near and far, food, drink and good times!