Reform

An old house, full of charm and history, stands on the brink of transformation. Preparing for a リフォーム, or renovation, means saying goodbye to worn tatami mats, aged wood, and faded walls as they make way for a new look while preserving some of the original character. It’s fascinating to document the transition—the peeling paint, the delicate paper shoji screens ready to be replaced, and the exposed beams showing decades of stories. The blend of traditional Japanese elements with modern updates is always intriguing, whether it’s adding sleek, minimalist fixtures or reinforcing the structure for earthquake safety. Before the workers arrive, there’s a quiet beauty in the stillness of the space, a moment to capture its current state before it’s reimagined for a new chapter.