The traditional Japanese townhouse (machiya) doesn’t have windows in the Western meaning of the word. Depending on surroundings, there are several types of openings, such as mushiko mado, windows with rectangular bars cut directly into the wall, allowing air flow and light, but preserving privacy.

In today’s photo, for the rooms facing the street was used a system of wooden lattice called koshi, wooden bars spaced for light and ventilation. When needed, the two shoji screens are sliding to cover the window.

Sugiyama house, Tondabayashi Jinaimachi

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Cup Noodle vending machine