Iwakuni is the leading city of eastern Yamaguchi. It is famed for the Kintai Bridge, one of Japan’s three great bridges, and for the clear flow of the Nishiki River. A destination rich in history and scenery, it draws visitors from across the country. Here we met the Kōno family in their BESS home. This feature introduces the Sumika Log, a distinctive log house that immediately caught our interest.
Joining PAPERSKY editor in chief Lucas was Chisato Shiraishi, who works on community renewal in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring town with six centuries of history. A lively conversation ensued about life in the Sumika Log and the unique charm of making it home.
Guest／Lucas B.B.（PAPERSKY Editor）
Guest／Chisato Shiraishi — Area staff, Nagato Yumoto Onsen Town Co., resident of Nagato City, Yamaguchi
Hosts／Hiroyuki and Yayoi Kōno — BESS homeowners, residents of Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi
1. On the hunt for a home where hobbies take center stage
A 20-minute drive from JR Shin-Iwakuni Station, with a quick detour at the famed Kintai Bridge, brought us to the Kōno family’s home. Nestled seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, the house is immediately striking—and a small outbuilding hints at something extra. What kind of niche have they carved out here? Eager to find out, we stepped inside to hear their story.
Lucas B.B. (hereafter, Lucas): “This house really fits into the surrounding landscape, doesn’t it? It’s our first time visiting a Sumika Log, and it feels simple, calm, and really inviting. What made you decide you wanted your own home?”
Hiroyuki Kōno (hereafter, Hiroyuki): “At first, we thought renting would be fine after we got married. But since my hobby is leathercraft, I realized that to pursue it properly, I really needed a house of our own.”
Lucas: “I noticed there’s a separate outbuilding on the property. Is that where you do your leathercraft?”
Hiroyuki: “Yes, I make wallets, bags, and other items by hand as a hobby. These days, I even sell them under my own brand, Atelier Lust.”
Lucas: “I noticed there’s a separate outbuilding on the property. Is that where you do your leathercraft?”
Lucas: “It’s impressive how far you’ve taken this hobby, even with a day job.”
Hiroyuki: “I first got hooked on polishing leather shoes, and then my interest shifted to repairing them. That led me straight into leathercraft, and eventually I discovered the joy of making wallets and bags by hand. With a day job in social welfare, I had always hoped to have a side business someday. When I found leathercraft, I could just tell that it was a perfect fit for me.”
Shiraishi: “It’s like you’ve actually brought your dream to life.”
Lucas: “So, what led you to choose a BESS home?”
Hiroyuki: “When the idea of owning a home first came up, it was my wife who introduced me to BESS.”
Yayoi Kōno (hereafter, Yayoi): “Since there wasn’t a LOGWAY showroom in Yamaguchi, we went to Hiroshima to check one out.”
Hiroyuki: “Until we visited LOGWAY, the idea of owning a house still felt vague. But once I saw it in person, my desire for a BESS home surged. The house itself was wonderful, of course, but what struck me most was the styling—it gave a vivid sense of the kind of life we could build there. That presentation was the real clincher.”
Yayoi: “But when we first visited LOGWAY, the Sumika Log hadn’t been released yet.”
Hiroyuki: “Exactly. After that, we looked at a few other homebuilders, but nothing really clicked. I kept coming back to BESS, and then, by chance, there was a BESS open house just 30 minutes away. My wife had her heart set on a single-story home, so we were still undecided when, luckily, the Sumika Log was released. The moment we saw it, we knew—this was the one. The rest is history.”
2. The Sumika Log: Simple by Design, Comfortable by Nature
The Sumika Log blends single story living, a separate outbuilding, and log house elements. Its simple, easy to live layout includes a tucked away loft, and the place brims with the sense that owners can fashion an original way of life. Next the conversation turned to why the Kōnos chose the Sumika Log.
Lucas: “How did you find this land?”
Hiroyuki: “After we decided on the Sumika Log, someone at BESS helped us search for land. We had always wanted to live in the Iwakuni area, and they found a plot that perfectly suited the Sumika Log. Their personal touch was also a big reason we grew fond of BESS.”
Lucas: “It’s impressive that they even helped with the land search.”
Shiraishi: “When you actually saw the Sumika Log, what stood out to you?
Hiroyuki: “We loved the simple, charming exterior, but inside, nearly every space is open except the bathroom and toilet. It feels flowing and connected, perfect for watching our child grow while enjoying a lively, fun home life. We also realized we wouldn’t need a lot of separate rooms as our child got older, so this house was just right for us.”
Shiraishi: “What struck me was how few things there were inside the house. I still live in the home I grew up in, a traditional old house filled with stuff. Seeing the Kōno family’s tidy, uncluttered home, I could immediately tell it would be easy and comfortable to live in.”
Yayoi: “The house I grew up in was crammed to the rafters, so I’ve always been drawn to a lifestyle that’s the opposite. A smaller home makes it easy to keep everything clean, and the simple, comfortable spaces naturally discourage clutter. My husband used to hoard shoes but since moving here, that collection is gone entirely, ha ha.”
Hiroyuki: “By keeping fewer things around, I’ve discovered just how comfortable a minimalist lifestyle can be.”
Lucas: “In the U.S., single-story homes are common, but this feels different. The Sumika Log is simple, not overly large, and makes efficient use of space. Japanese homes usually give everyone their own room, which can feel isolating, but this creates the opposite—a real sense of togetherness.”
Shiraishi: “When a house is large with many rooms, families end up spending more time apart.”
Lucas: “Tiny houses have become a bit of a trend in both the U.S. and Japan. Living in a compact space naturally encourages a sparser lifestyle and brings a sense of clarity and calm, which is why they’ve become so popular. The Sumika Log isn’t as small as a tiny house, but it carries that same minimalist vibe and promises a home that feels clean and uncluttered, both visually and mentally.”
Yayoi: “I definitely feel that way. By keeping things to a minimum, the home always feels light and airy. I tend to get rid of anything unnecessary right away, so there really isn’t much in the house.”
Lucas: “It’s not a straight-up single-story, so having that loft space must be really handy.”
Yayoi: “Yes. We keep the toys up in the loft, and downstairs we just roll out mattresses at night, so the space feels nice and open. For me it is not only about avoiding clutter. I wanted a home where we can always feel close as a family. The Sumika Log turned out to be exactly that.”
Lucas: “A lot of people living in BESS homes go for stylish open storage, but your place feels really refreshing. There’s a lot to be said for the way a compact, simple house can bring a family closer together..”
3. A Home That Makes You Want to Hurry Back
Just then, it was time for a snack Shiraishi had brought along. She opened a box from Ohogetsu, a beloved Japanese confectioner in Yamaguchi. Inside were Ofuku, soft and chewy uiro sweets with a subtle sweetness. Between mouthfuls, the conversation turned to the charms of Iwakuni and the joy of life in this region.
Lucas: “What do you think makes Iwakuni special?”
Shiraishi: “The natural surroundings are beautiful, of course, but the people are part of the charm too. My impression is that many are modest and kind.”
Hiroyuki: ”Exactly. And this spot is surprisingly convenient. It’s about a 30-minute drive to central Iwakuni, and the nearby highway interchange makes it easy to get to places like Hiroshima.”
Lucas: “This seems like the kind of place people would love to move to.”
Hiroyuki: “Yes, I think many people are choosing to transplant themselves here.”
Lucas: “Transplants really energize a region. They bring their excitement with them, and that energy spreads through the community. People living in a lively, spirited area carry that same sense of excitement in their everyday lives.”
Shiraishi: “Lately, old country houses have been drawing a lot of interest, and I think it’s largely because of the wood. There’s something deeply calming about living in a house built of timber. A log home like this is truly something to aspire to.”
Lucas: “I’m a big fan of naps, and I keep thinking how perfect this house would be for a long, lazy one. Tell me, what are the moments that make you feel happiest in your day-to-day life here?”
Yayoi: “For me, it’s the quiet rhythms of home — the unremarkable, everyday moments. But I especially cherish our evening walks after dinner with the kids. It’s a simple ritual that clears my mind and grounds me in the present.”
Hiroyuki: “What I love most is simply being at home. Losing myself in leathercraft, sharing the day with my family; those everyday moments feel full and real. It makes me grateful all over again that we chose the Sumika Log.”
Lucas: “Loving your own home is one of life’s essentials. What does this house mean to you?”
Yayoi: “For me, it’s a slice of paradise. A place that’s both soothing and joyful, where I feel completely at ease. That’s what this home gives me, and I couldn’t ask for more.”
Hiroyuki: “To me, it’s the place I can’t wait to return to. Ever since we moved in, no matter where I go, I find myself eager to get back. I’m always in a hurry to get the key in the lock. That’s how deeply this place feels like home.”
Lucas: “Now you’ve got me dreaming of a Sumika Log for myself. Thank you both for sharing your world with us today.”
BESS home
https://www.bess.jp