The Mottainai Spirit Behind our Tea House Repairs

One of Hirata-san's hand saws they brought from Japan.

One of the highlights of our Garden is Musoan, our tea house, where we host traditional tea ceremony, private workshops and cultural performances throughout the year. Over time and through more consistent use, the tea house required repairs to restore it to its former glory. Rather than opting for modern, quick fixes, the Garden chose to preserve the tea house with the help of expert Japanese craftsmen, known as miya-daiku (宮大工) or 'palace carpenters.' These skilled artisans employed centuries-old techniques to ensure that the tea house would not only be repaired, but strengthened for generations to come. This approach reflects the Japanese principle of mottainai, a deep respect for resources and an aversion to waste. 

The miya-daiku performed almost all repairs by hand using traditional tools.

A Philosophy of Respect for Resources 

The concept of mottainai (もったいない) is rooted in Japan’s cultural traditions. It expresses a sense of regret or shame over waste and extends beyond the physical to include time, energy, and talents. In essence, mottainai encourages mindfulness in how we use and appreciate the things around us. This principle applies not only to the way the tea house repairs were approached but to how the Japanese Friendship Garden as a whole is maintained—a space where everything is treated with care and respect to ensure efficiency and longevity. 

In this case, mottainai means more than just fixing what’s broken; it means repairing it in a way that ensures that the structure will last for many more years, without unnecessary waste of materials, time, or effort. 

The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy - the temple Hirata-san's company helped repair.

Carpenters of Tradition and Precision 

The craftsmen entrusted with the tea house repairs are known as miya-daiku, highly skilled carpenters who specialize in the construction and restoration of temples, shrines, and other significant wooden structures. These artisans, with decades of experience, come from a long line of builders who have preserved Japan's architectural heritage, often working on structures that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The lead craftsmen, Mr. Shinya Hirata and Mr. Takashi Yamaguchi, bring with them over 25 years of expertise in traditional wood joinery—a technique that avoids using nails or metal fastenings, instead relying on intricate wooden joints. They have also worked on temples in Himeji, a practice reserved for only miya-daiku. Their precision and dedication ensured that every repair was done in line with traditional methods, preserving the authenticity of the tea house. 

Mr. Hirata, who took over his family’s construction business, Hirata Construction, has always been passionate about preserving tradition while incorporating sustainable practices. His team’s expertise in woodworking and traditional techniques made them the perfect fit for the tea house repairs. 

Small repairs using wood plugs, sanded to match the rest of the grain of our nijiriguchi.

Traditional Techniques for Lasting Results 

The repairs carried out at the tea house included a wide range of tasks, all completed with meticulous care and attention to detail. From adjusting sliding doors to creating new wooden furniture, each element of the tea house was addressed with the mottainai mindset. 

Key repairs included: 

• Sliding Door Repairs: The team adjusted and repaired sliding doors throughout the tea house, carefully removing stains, adjusting thresholds, and replacing worn-out components to ensure smooth functionality. 

• New Furniture Creation: New benches and a water server stand were custom-made using traditional woodworking techniques, providing functional pieces that match the aesthetic and historical significance of the tea house. 

• Surface Restoration: Surfaces were sanded and varnished with care, using fine techniques to remove scratches and stains while preserving the wood’s integrity. 

• Structural Adjustments: The threshold and stone foundations were adjusted to correct subsidence caused by nearby watering, ensuring that the structure remains stable for years to come. 

  
  

These repairs, while extensive, were all done in a way that respects the original construction of the tea house. Rather than replacing entire sections, the craftsmen focused on restoring what was there, preserving as much of the original materials as possible. This practice is also used for temple and other historical repairs in Japan.

Each of our shoji doors were re-sanded to both slide and lock more securely.

The Importance of Cultural Preservation 

The repairs to the Musoan Tea House go beyond addressing structural issues—they preserve a space of deep cultural significance. As a place of quiet reflection and tradition, the tea house is vital for maintaining the rituals of the tea ceremony and fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Phoenix.

The miya-daiku craftsmen’s use of traditional techniques and adherence to the mottainai philosophy—emphasizing mindfulness and minimizing waste—ensured the restoration was both environmentally conscious and respectful of the original craftsmanship. Their work not only restores the tea house but strengthens it for future generations, preserving its beauty and cultural significance.