New Publication 'SO: High-Quality Japanese Homes' Launches November 17th, Showcasing the Elegance of Japanese Living

Shinken Shimbunsha, which has long promoted the appeal of Japanese-style homes through the publication of 'Wafu Jutaku' (Japanese-Style Homes) and 'Wa-Modern,' is launching a new book that inherits the spirit of these two titles while proposing the future of high-quality Japanese living and real-world examples.

The title 'SO' carries the English meaning of 'very' or 'further,' layered with the concept of 'high quality.' It can also be associated with kanji characters like 'create' (創) and 'thought' (想), embodying the concept of contributing to the creation of high-quality homes and lifestyles, and serving as a place where the visions of builders and residents can connect.

Targeted at those who desire a high-quality lifestyle and those considering a home to be passed down for generations, we have selected beautiful Japanese homes that many people aspire to live in.

The lead feature is 'Single-Story Homes,' with commentary by architect Toshihito Yokouchi. We explore why single-story homes are relevant now and what they offer as the homes of the future.

The home for a family raising three children is 'dog-leg' (L-shaped). With ample space on the site, the couple started planning for a single-story home from the beginning, driven by their desire to stay as close to their children as possible.
The public zone is located on the west side and the private zone on the east, with a bookshelf and study space for the children placed in the center of the L-shape.

In the single-story feature, Toshihito Yokouchi provides comprehensive commentary, covering topics such as 'the significance of single-story homes in the modern era,' 'Yokouchi-style single-story examples' showcasing his past work, and 'masterpiece single-story homes' selected by Yokouchi himself.

The section on architect-designed single-story homes includes Yasushi Horibe's 'Summer Retreat,' Satoshi Irile's 'Hikone Single-Story Home,' Yosaku Tsutsumi's 'Tanba House,' Hiroyuki Suzuki's 'Karuizawa House,' and Takuya Iwase's 'Naka's Single-Story Home.'

The 'Doma' (earthen floor) was common in traditional Japanese houses. Adapted to diverse lifestyles, it can be used in various ways: as a space for DIY and hobbies, a spot for a wood-burning stove, an atelier or gallery, or for maintaining and storing outdoor gear. We introduce examples of how these modern earthen floors are being used through photographs.

Many other examples of high-quality, uniquely Japanese homes are also included.
You can pre-order 'SO: High-Quality Japanese Homes' here!