The Use of Sketches in Kon Wajiro’s KembunYacho explores Kon Wajiro’s research methods, with a particular focus on his use of sketches. In the first section, the study provides a comprehensive examination of Kon Wajiro’s life, works, historical context, and the influence on him. The second section raises questions about prior research that categorized Kon Wajiro’s work as design research and delves into his dedication to hand-drawing. The third section analyzes why Kon Wajiro was so committed to sketching and what he gained through the practice, clarifying the multifaceted value of sketches. In conclusion, the author hypothesizes three main reasons why Kon Wajiro did a lot of sketches: (1) to preserve the value of craftsmanship, (2) to improve the design of housing, and (3) to record the rapidly changing lifestyles. Furthermore, sketches were not merely a means of leaving visual records but also significantly contributed to Kon Wajiro’s Japanese traditional house studies and his academic framework.
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