Makoto Nakano

Chairman, Miyama Kayabuki Co., Ltd. 

It has been over thirty years since I began working in the world of thatching.

To be honest, when I first started, I had no lofty ambitions of taking on apprentices or preserving Japanese culture.

But as I dedicated myself fully to the craft day after day, something unexpected happened—young people began seeking me out, asking to become apprentices. Now, I’ve even passed the company on to the next generation.

Who could have imagined such a future back then?

I truly believe that my former master, along with other thatchers who have passed on, are cheering us on from beyond. It brings me great joy.

Though I may be a "late-starting frontrunner," I genuinely believe that thatching is a cutting-edge craft.

I will continue to devote myself to this path.

Hiroki Koma

President, Miyama Kayabuki Co., Ltd.

In today’s Reiwa era, thatched roofing is once again gaining recognition for its true value.

As society seeks more sustainable ways of living, I believe that traditional thatching offers a perfect model. We harvest natural materials like Japanese silver grass and reeds ourselves, use them in our craft, and when their role is complete, they return to the soil as fertilizer—completing a full, circular cycle.

I live this cycle personally—cutting grass, thatching roofs, and living under one. Through this lifestyle, I’ve discovered a deep sense of peace and emotional fulfillment.

At our company, rethatching remains the core of our work. But beyond that, we aim to promote a circular way of life—one that helps people live more humanely, in harmony with nature.

We’ll keep moving forward. Because growth begins with challenge.