What Events / Topics / Speakers

[Stuart]

What kind of events / topics / speakers would you like to see at Minka Summit 2026?

What would be of most interest and/or help to your minka needs? More about akiya banks? Cooling and heating? Landscaping? Community interaction?

Anything you’d like us to add? Do differently?

Let us know!

[Ryan]

I’m mostly interested in process and profitability of airbnb’s. Is it a reasonable business to get into or no. Would be great to have some cash flow as well as a holiday home.

[Stuart]

Hi Ryan — thanks for your suggestion.

As you may know, it’s a complicated area to navigate as rules and restrictions vary throughout Japan and can be unusually, even ridiculously strict in areas that have powerful hotel and ryokan lobbies, such as Kyoto. And there are various categories (minpaku, etc.) that have advantages and disadvantages.

Anyway, a great idea and we’ll try to incorporate it into the Summit schedule somehow!

[DrLizWilliams]

Hello Ryan

Have you taken a look at the co-host option on AirBNB and the expert host support?  It might be helpful to share knowledge?  Perhaps there would be an AirBNB person who give a seminar?

[Ryan]

Yes, I would expect it to be complicated as each area has its nuances.  Not expecting cut and dried answers as the waters are deep and always moving.  Just hoping to pick up whatever info and connections I can. If I’m patient I think ot will bear fruit one day.

[Ryan]

Maybe it should go without saying though that a truly important topic would be how to find contractors who have the specific expertise needed to maintain traditional homes. I would expect the knowledge of old materials and methods to be obscure and it’s hard to know if you’re hiring the right person or not without being a semi expert yourself. The right tradesperson can make such a difference in enjoyment,  condition and financial outcome.

[DrLizWilliams]

Hello there

As an interior designer, passionate gardener & farmer, and serial renovator I would love some sessions on how to share “labour”.   I have been thinking about travelling shearers that I grew up with in Australia who were really moving labour forces.

It would be great to bring together some panel discussions on, for example, wool insulation, solar panels, re-using materials.

And then also about interiors.  For example, I can talk all day, literally, about paint colours, fabrics, motifs and making an authentic aesthetic in these gorgeous old spaces.

Perhaps a call for “experts” might be useful?   I would love to hear from photographers, digital marketers, social media experts about how to showcase the collective work?

I have been imagining a “kominka trail” a bit like the wonderful pilgrim walks where visitors and enthusiasts go between places.  Perhaps an Instagram/app/path thing…

I hope that is helpful and, if any assistance is necessary, I can always lend a hand!

Liz

[Stuart]

Hi Dr. Liz!

These are all great ideas….Many of the things you mention, or something very similar, are already in the preliminary planning stages for the Summit!

[Author]

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