Modern Japanese Pampas Grass Harvest Methods for Thatched Roof Houses Based on Case Studies of Self-procurement of Grasses in Shikoku

Thatch fields (grasslands where the thatch for thatched roofs is harvested) and thatched roofs are dwindling due to the decline of mutual aid, lifestyle changes, and modernization of agriculture. In recent years, there has been a shortage of thatch needed to replace even cultural heritage thatched roofs, making the maintenance of ordinary thatched buildings more impractical. This study aimed to identify modern maintenance and management methods of thatch fields in Shikoku based on case studies of self-procurement of Japanese pampas grasses in Shikoku. We surveyed seven fields that had harvested grasses as a material for thatched roofs within the past five years. We interviewed managers and harvesters of those fields regarding the harvesting process from November 2021 to February 2022. Results showed that the harvesting process depended on the availability of snowfall and storage warehouses. In conclusion, there were both technical issues in making “Kuro” and facility issues in storing grasses to sustain thatched roofs.