JSTORIES ー Because the inhabitants’s price of growing old in Japan accelerates, the variety of vacant homes is on the rise in Tokyo. Swedish trend mannequin Anton Wormann has been reviving them by means of his personal craftsmanship. As his second renovation undertaking nears completion, we requested him his explanation why. What’s the enchantment and potential of reviving Tokyo’s deserted homes?
Tokyo’s Small Homes Are Stuffed with Potential
Anton Wormann will quickly full the renovation of a vacant home in a residential space close to a prepare station in Nakano Metropolis, somewhat to the west of central Tokyo. He has been engaged on this DIY undertaking for about three months since April 2024. “Really, it was purported to be completed final week,” he says with a smile, wanting with pleasure on the home nearing completion.
“The home is 53 years previous. It was in shambles once I first noticed it, in all probability having been left vacant for a very long time. However I assumed that, by tearing out the ceiling, I might create an open area, and by modifying the stair balusters, pillars, and classic home windows, it could change into an exquisite area. It is actually enjoyable to have the ability to make a run-down area look good by utilizing your individual concepts and methods.”
The home was low cost, not having a lot to talk of by way of daylight or area, however “That’s the reason it is enjoyable,” says Wormann. “It’s standing near neighboring homes and would not have an enormous yard. However distinctive, tiny homes in Tokyo like this one are very attention-grabbing to me. I can add mirrors to offer the area extra depth or higher lighting to make it look greater and brighter. One other enchantment is that they’ve numerous room for modification as a result of they’re previous.”
Simply as Wormann says, the newly renovated home blends the previous and new fantastically, with new wooden added to the partitions and flooring whereas preserving the unique beams, columns, and room with conventional straw tatami mats. He plans to make use of the home as a trip rental.
DIY Is Rooted in Lifetime of Swedes
Wormann formally moved to Japan on the finish of 2018. He had labored as a mannequin in varied nations, however what sealed the deal was the expertise he had when he visited Japan.
“It was secure and the streets had been lovely. I used to be additionally stunned that I might discover good meals in all places I went. Folks revered one another and had been very form to a foreigner like me. This made me need to stay in Japan.”
After transferring to Japan, he lived in an condo and a shared home for some time, after which purchased an 86-year-old vacant home in Tokyo in 2022. He used his DIY expertise to replace it earlier than transferring on to his present undertaking.
“I needed to hire a spot at first, however the important thing cash (a conventional, one-time fee made to the owner) and deposit had been very costly. As I regarded for a greater residing scenario, an actual property agent confirmed me a vacant home. The home was run-down, however its age gave it a way of historical past that made it lovely. New-build homes are fashionable in Japan, however in my nation, it is regular to maintain renovating the home you reside in and even colleges provide DIY lessons. In actual fact, the home I grew up in is 120 years previous, and my household maintained it whereas altering its format and design, so it was pure for me to do the identical in Japan.”
Japan’s World-Class Craftsmanship
Renovating a home was one thing Wormann has been accustomed to since childhood, however in Japan, “I can change into higher acquainted with extra skilled data and methods,” he says.
“What stunned me whereas renovating homes in Tokyo was that there are lumber, tatami and {hardware} shops everywhere in the metropolis. There, I usually make buddies with craftsmen and be taught new expertise. We typically work collectively, and their consideration to element is actually exceptional. I used to be particularly shocked to see the work of miyadaiku (carpenters who focus on shrines and temples). Their ability of becoming a member of items of wooden to construct a home with out utilizing a single nail is world-class.”
Impressed by Japanese craftsmanship, Wormann takes nice pleasure in enhancing homes in Japan. This home will quickly be accomplished, however his subsequent undertaking is already underway.
“I lately purchased a property in Chiba (a prefecture subsequent to Tokyo). The home is in worse form than the earlier ones, nevertheless it’s near the ocean and I’ve a sense will probably be enjoyable. I believe there might be numerous challenges there, however I prefer to make use of previous issues to create fashionable areas. I plan on making YouTube movies on the undertaking, so I hope you’ll benefit from the earlier than and after.”
Interview and writing by Funabashi Maki
Pictures of the home post-renovation courtesy of Anton Wormann
Translation by Endo Toshio
