The sight of this century old house was always a pleasing one. The patterned glass and ornate door were arguably the highlights, but then there was the addition of the roof, sometimes flowers, and even the colours of the containers outside.
Seeing the owner one time was a lovely treat as well. He was the one who told me the age of the place. An extra detail that made it even more special in an area heavily bombed during the war. But while it survived those aerial raids, not to mention countless earthquakes and typhoons, it ultimately couldn’t evade the ever encroaching demolition crew.
Wes says
What a shame Japan doesn’t preserve these old houses. I’d love to live in a traditional home like this one.
Lee says
Yeah, it is, but to be fair, they are made of wood, so they aren’t easy to renovate. Also, as nice as they look, they are absolutely baltic in the winter. I bemoan the loss of such places, but I have to admit that I live in a modern apartment with all the comforts that brings.
Arno says
Sometimes I get the feeling they leave these plots empty. Is a bland new house being built there ?
Lee says
I suspect this won’t be left empty, but yeah, it’ll definitely be a bland new house that replaces it.
cdilla says
Such a great transformation when the guy smiled. Took years off him.
It seemed the plot was raised and they took away those amazing “kerb” stones when they razed it.
You’d like to think something characterful will replace it, but I imagine that, at best, it will be a small semi-prefab box that will not last 30 years.
Still, hopefully the change and/or money will afford the guy a comfortable abode.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s so true. It really did. That was a lovely little interaction. Only saw him that one time.
Pretty sure that’s what will replace it, but yes, hopefully it all worked out well for him.
Richard says
Sad, to say the least. Must not have been a family member who wanted it? Will it become a car park? Or a nondescript house?
Lee says
As nice as it looked, it must have been freezing in winter. Appealing to look at, but sadly not exactly comfortable.
Considering its location, I’m certain it’ll be a nondescript house.
Richard says
My wife’s parents lived in a house like that….in Tohoku, no less. It WAS freezing in winter!! Did not want to get out from under the covers in the morning.