This Old Japanese House

New blog post is up! 🏡
I wrote about something you've probably wondered if you've ever visited rural Japan: Why are there so many abandoned houses?
The answer isn't as simple as you might think. It's about modernization, migration, master carpenters, thatched roofs, family inheritance, and timing. And of course, a lot of stuff left behind.

Read the full article here: www.thisoldjapanesehouse.com/2026/01/01/why-are-th…

And if you missed it, my latest vlog explores a different kind of question about Japanese life: "Where Love Doesn't Need Words" 言葉にしない愛
T-san doesn't say "I love you" very often. But he brings home fish. 🐟
Watch here: https://youtu.be/MKh5lw25t60

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1 week ago | [YT] | 12

This Old Japanese House

Age is just a number, right?

Well, I just turned 50, and wakka-danna is still 5 years younger. In this video: Christmas prep in our old Japanese house, yuzu from the garden, and the eternal question—what do you get a younger husband for Christmas? 🎁

Join me? ❄️🎄https://youtu.be/2X6jYGMI5hA

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 10

This Old Japanese House

There's something peaceful about sitting on the engawa on a quiet afternoon, transforming what could have been garden waste into something useful. 🍃

In my latest vlog, I'm preparing a natural loquat leaf extract – carefully cutting leaves from our garden tree and placing them into a sterilized jar. The leftover white liquor from my umeshu-making? It finds new purpose here, drawing out the beneficial properties of these leaves to create a remedy for bug bites and acne.


It's these small moments of resourcefulness that remind me why I love this way of living. Nothing goes to waste when you take the time to see the potential in what you already have. 🌿


New here? You might enjoy seeing where this white liquor journey began: https://youtu.be/SG9CBoS09rA

Watch the FULL vlog: https://youtu.be/khkZry-nbZ0

1 month ago | [YT] | 9

This Old Japanese House

🙏🏽Thank you for 3500 subscribers 🧡

I'm so deeply grateful for this beautiful community of women (and men, too...I see you) who share a love for the quiet elegance of Japanese culture. Your support means everything!
Speaking of quiet moments... have you discovered the simple pleasure of dried persimmons with tea? There's something almost meditative about this pairing—the naturally sweet, amber-hued fruit alongside a steaming cup in a handmade ceramic vessel. It's not just a snack; it's a pause, a breath, a moment of ma (間) in our busy lives.
These little rituals don't require living in Japan. They're invitations to bring intention and beauty into wherever you are—your kitchen table, your morning routine, your afternoon break. A dried persimmon and tea can transport you, even if just for a few minutes.
I've captured more of these moments in my latest vlog—the textures, the traditions, the sweetness of slowing down. Watch it when you need that gentle reminder to pause, and if it speaks to you, please share it with someone who might need that moment too.
Here's to finding Japan in our everyday lives, wherever we are. 🍵🍂
https://youtu.be/9demsEkW40U

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 22

This Old Japanese House

🍁Spent the morning making jam, the afternoon in kimono at a museum, and stopped at the culture center to see some handmade kimono.
See it here: https://youtu.be/6Yk9WQMIftU

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2 months ago | [YT] | 12

This Old Japanese House

https://youtu.be/9demsEkW40U

We are slowing down with chestnut rice, dried fruit, some $5 kimono finds and an Edo period paper doll toy. Hope you'll join me.

今回は、少しゆるやかな一日。
盆栽の鉢替えをしたり、たまたま見つけた500円の着物を紹介したり、江戸時代のおもちゃを眺めたり――そんな小さな楽しみを詰め込んでみました。

2 months ago | [YT] | 9

This Old Japanese House

Autumn is just around the corner.
Here in the Japanese countryside, we are stocking up on wood and kimono.
$30 for 8 Vintage Kimono - Catch the vlog here: https://youtu.be/t7Y31vRvR94

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2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 15

This Old Japanese House

Hello Kimono friends 🌸
I discovered the most adorable obijime knot called En musubi at a recent kimono event. 💕
Walking up the old wooden staircase wonderfully decorated with traditional Japanese parasols, we reached the landing where before us stood a wonderfully carved archway leading into the main event room ....Full post with photos here: www.thisoldjapanesehouse.com/2025/10/06/en-musubi-…

3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 16

This Old Japanese House

It’s been a while since I last wore my kasuri kimono. The autumn morning was refreshing—77 degrees, without air conditioning. The breeze was soft, the beginning of a calm day. I hope you enjoy your Sunday.

久々に袖を通した絣の着物。
涼やかな秋の朝は、エアコンに頼らずとも26度以下の快適さ。風も心地よく、穏やかな一日の始まりです。

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 13

This Old Japanese House

Wow — thank you for the hype points! 💖 This old farmhouse may creak and groan, but with your support it feels full of life. Sending you love and gratitude from my engawa to wherever you are in the world 🌏🍵

3 months ago | [YT] | 5