Toward Manifesting the Jomon Matama Roof Rebuilding Matsuri in Japan
A sacred space for learning
Reviving a place to recconect with the soul,
and awaken Jomon creativity and spirituality once more
Introduction
Once, for 27 years, nestled quietly in the mountains of Hokusetsu, stood a unique Jomon-style sunken café.
Wrapped in cave-like warmth and silence, the space gave an unexplainable sense of comfort to its visitors.
Popular as a hidden retreat, the café resembled a Jomon-era pit dwelling.
Now, we wish to reconstruct this extraordinary space—not just as a building, but as a learning hub of “Yui” (connection) and “Wagara” (harmony and joy)—to help modern people reconnect with the creativity and spirituality of our ancient Jomon ancestors.
Background
The large, Jomon-style pit house was originally built in 1989 by the village chief of “Matama Village” (now Jomon Matama), who passed away last July.
Together with local artisans, he cleared a bamboo grove and dug several meters into the ground, using natural materials such as earth, reeds, bamboo, and pampas grass. The resulting structure became a beloved sanctuary where people could escape the city noise and reconnect deeply with themselves.
However, even before the pandemic, we had already begun to question the café’s operation. The excessive waste from food service conflicted with Jomon values of sustainability and reverence for nature. Combined with other circumstances, we ultimately decided to close the café.
Though we rebranded and launched a new site, hoping for a fresh start, the perception of closure made it difficult to attract visitors—even for events. The building gradually deteriorated, and by the end of last year, a large portion of the roof collapsed.
And yet, from beneath the moss-covered, heavy roof, what emerged was a surprisingly simple bamboo frame.
“Maybe… we can rebuild this together?”
That thought sparked a sense of hope for the future.
About This Place
Located in Sendaiji, a region of Hokusetsu, Osaka, this land is historically known as a refuge for hidden Christians.
Even a portrait of St. Francis Xavier was discovered here.
Several years ago, during highway construction, entire mountains were flattened and countless artifacts—including Jomon pottery, bronze ware, and relics from various eras—were unearthed. Although a museum was planned, the whereabouts of those artifacts now remain a mystery.
This land has long carried an atmosphere of sacred prayer.
Even during its café days, people from around the world would visit and often say:
“I don’t know why, but I feel peaceful here.”
🌟 Incidentally, Jomon Matama lies within the “Kinki Pentagram”, a star-shaped geometric pattern connecting five sacred sites in the Kansai region:
Ise Grand Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Izanagi Shrine, Moto-Ise, and Mount Ibuki.
The Yui-Wa Project – Three Core Pillars
① Rebuilding the Roof — With the Power of Yui (Connection) and Wa (Harmony)
With the collapse of the decades-old reed roof, we now have the opportunity to co-create a hands-on “regenerative experience.”
Rather than adhering to old forms, we’ll explore new ways of rethatching the roof using natural materials native to the area—like bamboo, straw, reeds, and pampas grass.
By working together with our hands and wisdom, we will breathe new life into the roof in a completely new style.
② Jomon Matama Roof Festival — A Field of Learning and Creation
The process of restoring the roof is not just construction—
It’s a space for learning traditional handcrafts and resonating with nature.
Through the Jomon Matama Roof Festival, open to both children and adults, we’ll foster connection, creativity, and mutual support.
It’s a hands-on learning ground that builds community through shared experience.
③ Rebooting as a Soul’s Secret Base
We aim to rebuild this space as a prototype for a Jomon-inspired lifestyle—
A sacred base where we realign with authentic living and reconnect with our true selves.
Through harmony in clothing, food, and shelter,
people can come together, soul-to-soul,
here in Jomon Matama—our soul’s secret base.
Ways to Support Jomon Matama
If you resonate with the vision of the Jomon Matama Project, you can support us in the following ways.
All proceeds will go directly toward roofing materials, construction costs, and ongoing maintenance.
Donation-Based Support (Choose Any Amount)
You can contribute any amount you wish via our donation form.
After your donation, we’ll be sure to send a thank-you message, so please don’t forget to contact us to confirm your support.
Secure payment is available via Stripe.
In Closing
Although part of the roof is damaged, the interior of the building remains safe and usable—so we’re able to continue hosting events.
While we prepare for the Roof Rebuilding Festival, we plan to keep offering both online and in-person gatherings.
Updates about upcoming events will be shared on our social media.
Your follows and support truly encourage us. Thank you so much.
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