Embracing Nature to Live an Eco-Friendly Life — Mr. N in Niseko, Hokkaido / Shinozaki Architects
Here’s the full English translation of your article — written naturally for an international audience, while keeping the tone and structure of the original Japanese text:
Embracing Nature to Live an Eco-Friendly Life
Mr. N’s Home in Niseko, Hokkaido / Designed by Shinozaki Architects
The photo above was taken by Mr. N himself, capturing the majestic Mt. Yotei as the snow melts. His home stands in a location where this breathtaking view can be enjoyed every day. Photographing the beautiful changes of the four seasons has become one of his favorite pastimes.
A Home Designed to Frame the View of Mt. Yotei
Niseko Town, known for its stunning view of Mt. Yotei, is a dream destination for many seeking a new lifestyle in Hokkaido. Mr. and Mrs. N moved from Aichi Prefecture and realized their dream home through Shinozaki Architects (based in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward). Since 2018, they’ve been enjoying their second life here in Niseko.
We visited them at the end of October 2024, just before the long winter season.
Inspired by Life in Harmony with Nature in Belgium
Mr. N, who had worked as an engineer for an automobile company in Aichi, first became fascinated with rural life while on assignment in Belgium.
“At first, I felt it was inconvenient — shops were closed on weekends and everything moved slowly. But I saw how people finished work on time and spent their free hours walking in nature or going to the forest. Their lifestyle felt rich and fulfilling. It changed my perspective completely, and after returning to Japan, I began to dream of spending my later years surrounded by nature,” says Mr. N.
Finding the Perfect Land in Niseko
Initially considering either Nagano or Hokkaido for a rural lifestyle, the couple came across a “Land for Sale” sign while traveling through Niseko. They made an inquiry and were introduced to the site where they now live. Although they didn’t decide immediately, they returned to Aichi and eventually decided to purchase the land in 2006.
After taking early retirement at 55, Mr. N joined the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps in nearby Kyogoku Town. When his term ended, he decided it was time to build the long-awaited home. Before leaving Hokkaido, he happened to pick up a housing magazine and was drawn to the natural design of homes by Shinozaki Architects. That was the beginning of his homebuilding journey in Niseko.
Compact Yet Spacious — A Warm Life with a Wood Stove
The dining-area storage cabinet made from Yakushima cedar was custom-built by the architect.
The table was a DIY project by Mr. N, made using leftover cedar boards.
The first floor features an open-ceiling design with large windows facing the garden and terrace doors leading to a wooden deck.
The family of three — Mr. and Mrs. N and Mrs. N’s mother — live comfortably in a compact home. Instead of a separate living room, the dining table positioned toward the panoramic Mt. Yotei view serves as the heart of family life.
In summer, the wooden deck becomes their outdoor living room. There’s even a pizza oven beside the deck for al-fresco dining.
“Standing in the kitchen, I can see Mt. Yotei while cooking or making coffee. It’s so soothing,” Mrs. N says.
A Vermont Castings wood stove installed near the stairs provides the home’s only heating. Warm air naturally circulates through the open ceiling, keeping the upstairs warm as well. Although an air-conditioner is installed for the mother’s use when alone, it is rarely needed.
Mrs. N’s mother’s room, located conveniently close to the bathroom and toilet, ensures easy movement and comfort. The bath also offers a view of Mt. Annupuri.
A Spacious Second Floor for Flexible Use
Upstairs, a large open space with generous storage serves multiple purposes. Mrs. N, a yoga instructor, teaches online lessons here, while Mr. N practices tennis swings — his hobby.
“Doing yoga with the mountain view behind me feels wonderful, and students who see the scenery during online sessions love it,” says Mrs. N.
The second floor also includes the couple’s bedroom, which doubles as a study and walk-in closet.
A Shared Philosophy: Homes in Harmony with Nature
From right: Mr. N, Mrs. N, and Hirokazu Shinozaki, the representative of Shinozaki Architects.
Along with his admiration for country living, Mr. N wanted a lifestyle that would minimize his environmental footprint. During his working years, he was involved in corporate social-responsibility activities such as drought relief, tree-planting, and organic community farming.
“When building our home, we wanted something environmentally responsible and highly insulated for year-round comfort,” explains Mr. N.
“Shinozaki Architects’ homes offer excellent insulation and airtightness. They use natural wood-fiber insulation, wooden exteriors, and plaster walls — materials that return to the earth when the house is eventually taken down. I admired their genuine, eco-conscious approach and felt confident entrusting them with our home.”
Mrs. N adds, “Even when it’s freezing outside and the world is covered in snow, it’s warmer here than it ever was in Aichi. We only light the wood stove once in the evening, yet the temperature stays around 18–19 °C by morning. Watching the flames is deeply relaxing, and we also use it for cooking — baking fish or pizza, simmering beans, and more.”
Shinozaki says, “Wood-fiber insulation retains heat well while reducing environmental impact. The radiant heat from a wood stove emits far-infrared warmth that gently envelops both the home and its residents. We always design to circulate that heat efficiently.”
Living Sustainably in Everyday Life
Mr. N grows organic vegetables in his garden, and Mrs. N enjoys cooking and making preserves with the harvest.
“We grow so much that we often share with neighbors, and whatever’s left we bottle for storage. We also make homemade miso, cheese, smoked foods, soba, yogurt, and pickled plums — all from natural ingredients,” she says.
During the snow-covered winter months, Mr. N spends time on his leather-craft hobby, making notebook covers and tissue cases as gifts for friends — one of which Mr. Shinozaki still uses today.
He even built a carport for his snow-removal shovel by himself. Alongside DIY projects and gardening, he recently joined the local tennis association and participates in environmental study groups to connect with the community.
Mrs. N continues her online yoga, aromatherapy, and astrology sessions, keeping in touch with friends across Japan. Her mother enjoys gardening, handicrafts, and weekly exercise classes at day care — all contributing to a calm, fulfilling life.
A Gentle, Ecological Way of Living in Niseko
The lifestyle Mr. and Mrs. N have created in Niseko — ecological, warm, and connected with nature — beautifully embodies the idea of living in harmony with the land.
Their home and way of life offer wonderful inspiration for anyone dreaming of a similar future.
Interview conducted in October 2024.
