Traditional Japanese house with wooden sliding doors and tatami mats.

Inami’s Showa-Era House Transforms into a Living Gallery of Japanese Craftsmanship

2026-06-10

In the heart of Toyama Prefecture’s woodcarving town, Inami, a former Showa-era home reinvents itself as OUKA, woven into the vibrant tapestry of Bed and Craft projects. Designed by architect Tomotsugu Yamakawa and Corare Artisan Japan, this thoughtfully curated “stayable gallery” harmoniously melds accommodation, art, and lifestyle along the scenic Daimon River.

A Thoughtful Fusion of Tradition and Living

Leading designer Masanori Oji crafts an immersive environment where art becomes life. The historical residence opens up, embracing a semi-outdoor space that invites nature into its heart. An impressive stone, naturally seat-like, anchors this transformation, welcoming guests into a realm where landscape and interior seamlessly merge.

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Inside, Oji’s vision unfolds through curated works from renowned craft producers like Inami’s IPPA, Takaoka’s FUTAGAMI, and Arita’s JICON. These pieces don’t just decorate—they breathe life into the space, making craft a tactile, daily experience.

Close-up of intricate wood carvings on a Japanese cabinet.

Curated Pieces Turn Space Into Sensory Poetry

The home is furnished with meticulous attention to material, from Wajima-based AIZAWA Wood Works’ Bandsaw Trays, which celebrate timber’s grain, to FUTAGAMI’s brass elements casting luminous patterns on walls. Each room tells a story: TENON’s TAO Chairs invite community around a Komei Tanaka-carved dining table, while Isorok Fabrik’s zaisu chairs on tatami encourage relaxed interaction.

Showa-era kitchen with vintage appliances and wooden shelves.

Craft as a Living Tradition

OUKA’s essence lies in material sensory. JICON’s porcelain, FUTAGAMI’s brass, and cedar accents, crafted with intimate care, anchor the space. Even the bathing area merges effortlessly into the domestic environment, testament to the home’s cohesive vision.

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By repurposing a Showa-era residence and integrating contemporary artisans’ creations, OUKA isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living gallery. Craft is not static but alive, defining the rhythm of everyday life through its presence. Here, visitors don’t merely observe—they participate, experiencing a unique dialogue between past and present, maker and guest.