We asked three employees in their 20s, from their 3rd to 9th year at the company, to talk about what inspired them to become thatchers and what they find appealing about the work.

Q. . What motivated you to join Miyama Kayabuki Co., Ltd.?

Yuda: When I was in high school, there was a thatched shrine called Aoi Aso Shrine near my technical high school. We studied it in class, which sparked my interest in thatching. During my high school years, a rare event occurred when the Shikinen Sengu ceremonies of both Ise Jingu and Izumo Taisha overlapped. The ceremony at Ise Jingu happens once every 20 years, and I strongly wished to become a thatcher and participate in the Shikinen Sengu, so I decided to apprentice.

Mohara: I dropped out of university and started reflecting seriously on my future. I wanted a job I could do for life, closely connected to everyday living. When I thought about what kind of house I wanted to live in, I came to the idea of a house with a thatched roof. I researched online and eventually came to Miyama Kayabuki.

Yamamoto: When I was a second-year university student, I saw a feature article about thatching in a housing architecture magazine. That was my first introduction to Miyama Kayabuki. I became interested in thatching and contacted the company to do an internship. That connection led me to join the company.

Q. . You often travel for work. How is living together with colleagues during assignments?

Yamamoto: At first, I was nervous about communal living, but now I see it as a great opportunity to build good relationships with senior colleagues. Although they can be strict at work, they are kind after returning to the lodging, and learning to switch between these moods has been valuable. I feel the tough guidance is meant for my growth. I think I’ve built deeper trust through these trips.

Mohara: When I have questions, I don’t want to stop the seniors while they’re working. Of course, I ask urgent things on site, but for less urgent questions, I wait until after work—during meals or free time. That way, I can ask calmly and also check plans for the next day, which leads to good communication.

Q. . What do you find most rewarding about thatching work?

Yamamoto: I’ve just started working on roofs myself, so I’m focused on what’s right in front of me at each site. But I’ve come to really appreciate the depth of skill involved in thatching.

Yuda: I would say it’s the trimming process. The edges and eaves are especially noticeable parts, so achieving a clean line and finishing as I envision it is the most interesting aspect.

Mohara: I like the early stages right after arriving at a site. This feeling is stronger when traveling, as the new environment and atmosphere are fresh to me. I also like the moment when we dismantle the old roof and start the new one—going from zero to one.

Q. . The work is physically demanding. How do you maintain motivation?

Yuda: For me, it’s the sense of accomplishment when a project ends. Sometimes we return to the site after scaffolding has been taken down to see the finished roof. The sites where I handled corners or led the work leave strong impressions.

Yamamoto: When doing a task for the first time, one explanation is not enough. But through repeated experience, moments suddenly come when I understand what the seniors said. That joy motivates me to keep going.

Mohara: The Japan Thatching Cultural Association, which our company belongs to, holds training and forums. Meeting young craftsmen from other companies there makes me feel supported—that people my age are working hard nationwide. When my assignments bring me close to other companies’ sites, I sometimes visit them on my days off.

Q. . Finally, please give a message to those who want to become thatchers.

All: People might imagine craftsmen working alone silently, but there’s a limit to what one person can do in thatching. We welcome anyone who wants to enjoy thatching together with us!