Thatch roofing, once a defining feature of Japanese rural landscapes, declined sharply in the 1950s due to lifestyle changes, material scarcity, and competition from modern alternatives. However, recent efforts have revived this tradition through overlapping local and national initiatives. This study examines bottom-up collaborative efforts in Miyama, Kyoto, where a professional thatcher has led a local revival, and at the national level, where the Japanese Thatching Culture Association (JTCA) promotes conservation. Data were gathered through expert interviews, participatory thatch maintenance activities, and social media analysis from September 2021 to November 2024. Using a transformative process framework, the study examines how localized initiatives scale into broader networks, ensuring craft sustainability. Findings highlight that thatch conservation requires professional adaptations and collaborative networks. This transformative process integrates community participation, academic engagement, and institutional partnerships, supporting long-term sustainability. The research underscores the importance of evolving technical and organizational practices while maintaining cultural integrity, offering a scalable model for sustaining Japan’s thatch roofing culture in contemporary society.
Jamin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.