German architect lends new life to Japan's neglected country homes

Bengs standing in front of his home in the mountains of Niigata prefecture. Combining the traditional and the new, the family name is displayed in German lettering above the door of the Japanese country house. Photos: Lars Nicolaysen/dpa

The thatched wooden house lies tucked away in a quiet area between mountains and rice fields.

This and many others, known as kominka, can be recognised by their wooden beams that are hundreds of years old. Built with great technical skill, they have survived, largely forgotten, in rural areas throughout the country, despite having been built with exquisite skill.