Plastering is a traditional Japanese technique used to finish walls and floors. Though rooted in history, it still plays a vital role in creating comfortable, modern homes today…

Have you ever heard of “sakan”?

Sakan is a traditional Japanese technique for plastering and finishing the walls and floors of buildings.

Though it’s a craft with a long history, it still plays an essential role in modern home construction.

This time, we visited the “Sakan Showroom,” opened in July 2023 by Hamani Co., Ltd. in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, a company specializing in sakan construction work.

We learned about the charm of this traditional craft and the secrets to creating a comfortable living environment with sakan.

If you’re considering a custom-built home or dreaming of a refined residence, be sure to read through to the end.

About Hamani Co., Ltd.

Based in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamani Co., Ltd. has a history of over 50 years.

While preserving traditional sakan techniques, the company carries out projects tailored to modern housing and construction needs.

As a company deeply rooted in the community, they have completed numerous residential and commercial projects, earning a strong reputation for reliability.

Image credit: Official website of Hamani Co., Ltd.

Hamani Co., Ltd.’s greatest strength lies in its team of highly skilled craftsmen.

They have over 30 sakan artisans of various ages on staff at all times.

Not only do they preserve traditional techniques, but they also enhance their skills through certifications as first-class sakan technicians and participation in skill competitions.

Image credit: Official website of Hamani Co., Ltd.

For over a decade, they have also been actively recruiting and training young talent, nurturing the next generation of craftsmen through in-house training and vocational schools.

Experience It at the Sakan Showroom! The Charm of Traditional Techniques

This time, we visited Hamani’s “Sakan Showroom,” which opened in July 2023.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, this building stands out with its particularly refined atmosphere—it’s Hamani’s “Sakan Showroom.”

Image credit: Official website of Hamani Co., Ltd.

Both the interior and exterior of the building are finished entirely with sakan, making it a showroom where you can truly experience the appeal of this traditional craft.

Inside the showroom, you’ll find a wide range of examples—from traditional earthen walls and plaster to modern designs—offering plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to create their dream home.

This time, we were guided through the showroom by Shigeru Kawai, President of Hamani Co., Ltd., and Furuhashi, Manager of the Sakan Department, who shared insights into the history and appeal of sakan.

The Appeal of Sakan You Can See, Touch, and Feel

At the entrance of the showroom, a variety of sakan tools—both large and small—are on display.

“Sakan is a traditional technique that supports Japan’s architectural heritage,” says Mr. Furuhashi.

“By using natural materials like earthen walls and plaster, it protects homes and creates a comfortable living environment.”

Walls and floors finished with sakan not only offer a pleasing texture and beauty, but also help regulate indoor humidity—absorbing excess moisture when it’s humid and releasing it when it’s dry—creating a comfortable environment that’s less affected by the seasons or weather.

You can experience this comfort firsthand in the meeting room on the second floor.

In this space, where both the walls and floors are finished with sakan, stepping inside envelops you in a calm, soothing atmosphere.

At the center sits a modern table.

It looks like stone, but it’s actually a one-of-a-kind piece crafted using sakan techniques!

Despite its luxurious design, the table feels smooth and gentle to the touch, with a subtly warm texture.

The bright and stylish meeting area next to the room is also finished with sakan.

“We not only used sakan for the walls and floors, but this table as well,” we were told.

“The tabletop incorporates reclaimed wood, arranged in a design that’s almost like art.”

Hearing this, we were amazed at the versatility and potential of sakan techniques.

Sakan finishes, built on the expertise of skilled craftsmen and combined with the inherent strength of the materials, provide high durability, creating homes where you can live comfortably and safely for years.

“We can now offer designs beyond the traditional Japanese style—modern, natural, and even bold colors or textures,” we were told while touring the restroom space in the showroom.

The unique texture of sakan walls, combined with beautiful color schemes, creates a sophisticated atmosphere, completely transforming the traditional image of sakan.

Experience It with All Your Senses: The Performance Room

One of the highlights of Hamani’s Sakan Showroom is the “Performance Room,” where you can experience the differences in plaster materials with your whole body.

In this room, you can step into spaces finished with three types of wall materials—vinyl wallpaper, plaster, and earthen walls—and feel the differences in each environment.

After entering a typical vinyl wallpaper room, you then step into a plaster or earthen-walled space…

“Huh? The air feels different.”

“And the way sounds carry is different too.”

In the Performance Room, visitors can not only see and touch the differences in each material, but also compare their humidity-regulating effects.

Many are surprised at how much the feel of a space can change just based on the wall material.

“I hope visitors can experience firsthand the unique charm of sakan that photos or catalogs can’t convey,” said Kawai, President of Hamani Co., with a smile.

We were continuously amazed by the depth and possibilities of sakan techniques.

Over 1,000 Plaster Samples from Japan and Abroad

The final stop on our tour was the wall in the meeting room, which stores plaster samples—over 1,000 varieties, both domestic and international.

“This is the plaster sample used in the restroom space we saw earlier,” we were shown—a sample of MORTEX, a sakan material developed by a Belgian manufacturer, available in a wide range of colors.

Recently, there have been more examples of using MORTEX to stylishly finish kitchen countertops, bathroom areas, and other wet spaces.

Thanks to its durability and water resistance, MORTEX is popular among those who want a space with a concrete-like, modern texture that’s also resistant to stains and scratches—especially among younger generations.

Though sakan has long been associated with traditional Japanese style, today a wide range of materials from both domestic and international manufacturers allows for diverse designs.

“In this showroom, we can not only show catalogs but also let visitors compare plaster samples, helping them better visualize the finished result,” they explained.

As Mr. Furuhashi explained, the ability to compare materials in person is a unique feature of Hamani’s Sakan Showroom.

Being able to feel even subtle differences in color and texture makes it much easier to envision your ideal living space.

Bringing Sakan Closer to Everyone! Expanding Possibilities Through Hands-On Events

At Hamani Co.’s showroom, they also host events such as “Sakan Experience” sessions and the popular “Glowing Mud Ball Workshop” for children at schools and educational institutions.

Participants are often amazed, exclaiming, “Wow, is this really a mud ball?” as they create shiny, beautiful mud balls while learning about sakan, the traditional craft.

“Through events like these, we hope more people can discover the charm of sakan,” say Mr. Kawai and Mr. Furuhashi.

As of our visit in December 2024, Hamani’s Sakan Showroom had been open for about a year and a half—still in its early stages.

They plan to continue supporting the creation of homes and commercial spaces, while developing new proposals and events for visitors.

Hamani’s Sakan Showroom is open for reservations to the general public as well as construction professionals. I

If you’d like to visit, please make a reservation online or by phone.

Online Reservations: https://www.hamani.jp/showroom/form
Phone Reservations: 053-588-7857

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Hamani Co., Ltd.

Office Address: 3-13-5, Nishinakaze, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu-shi

Sakan Showroom Address: 3-11-12, Nishinakaza, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu-shi

Phone: 053-588-7857

FAX: 053-588-1955

Official Website: https://www.hamani.jp/