Masayuki Kobayashi

Mr. Masayuki Kobayashi was born and raised in Miyama Town.

The main house where he grew up is now covered with a corrugated metal roof, but originally it had a traditional thatched roof. Though there were inconveniences such as leaks, even as a child he felt a mysterious charm in the quietness inside the house, the coolness of summer, and the strength of living close to nature. Now as an adult, he treasures the memories of spending time with family in the large rooms unique to old folk houses.

 

He first stepped into the world of thatching when Master Thatcher Nakano (current Chairman) came to collect thatch from the attic and invited him to join.

 

“Thatching is said to be one of the farmer’s skills. The appeal was not only re-thatching roofs but also learning techniques rooted in daily life.”

Also, having previously worked in a factory, Mr. Kobayashi was drawn to a job where he could feel the four seasons while working in nature.

 

Currently, he works on roofs while also contributing to the community as a farmer and leader of a local shimenawa (sacred rope) group.

“Miyama Town faces a declining and aging population. To connect the future to my children’s generation, I want to combine thatching and agriculture to make rural life more practical and attractive.”

Besides thatching-related activities like workshops and thatch harvesting, he is gradually starting initiatives to share the charm of rural living through agricultural experiences. Balancing parenting and daily work, he strives to be a model case for a fulfilling life.

 

As a local, he reflects on what he can leave for the next generation and what he can pass on, taking action with what he can do now.

He feels his mission is not only to protect thatched roofs as a thatcher but also to promote regional revitalization and the appeal of sustainable living.

 

Preserving tradition while applying its techniques and culture to modern life is essential.

“Thatching is not just something from old stories. Especially in this era, I want to increase the number of people living in thatched houses,” Mr. Kobayashi says with strong determination.