A Dream Born in Compassion
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Shizuoka, Japan, the story of Jikka is as enchanting as the fairy-tale design of its architecture. Created by Tokyo-based architect Issei Suma, Jikka’s unique collection of five interconnected, hut-like structures was born from a heartfelt vision. Two longtime friends, Nobuko Suma, a social worker, and Sachiko Fujioka, a chef, wanted a place to retire gracefully while continuing their mission of serving the elderly. Their combined decade of experience in Tokyo’s welfare sector shaped this dream.
The result? A serene, accessible, and community-oriented space that embodies not just architectural innovation but also a spirit of giving.
A House That Cares
Jikka was designed with simplicity and functionality at its core. Its single-story layout eliminates stairs, ensuring accessibility for all. The centerpiece of the home is a striking spiral-shaped bath, ingeniously crafted to accommodate wheelchairs. This design is as versatile as it is beautiful—it doubles as a children’s pool or a romantic jacuzzi for couples.
For Issei Suma, the spiral bath reflects his vision of universal design, where inclusivity meets joy. “Something that makes every generation happy,” he explains.
Jikka is not just a retirement home; it’s a statement about how we can rethink living spaces to embrace the needs of different life stages while fostering community.
Beyond Retirement: A Center of Service
Though Nobuko and Sachiko built Jikka as their retirement refuge, their altruistic spirit didn’t retire with them. The home is equipped with professional-grade kitchens that fuel their meal delivery service for the elderly, a continuation of the work they started in Tokyo. Nobuko bakes fresh bread and cakes while Sachiko prepares hearty meals.
Their dream goes further—they envision Jikka as a place where seniors can one day stay and receive care, merging hospitality with compassion.
A Cultural Touchstone Amid Japan’s Aging Population
Japan is grappling with the realities of an aging population, where seniors make up nearly 30% of its citizens. With over 2.3 million people aged 90 or older and 71,000 centenarians, services like Jikka are vital. Unlike many Western countries, Japan emphasizes community-based care, avoiding large-scale residential facilities. This makes initiatives like Jikka a natural fit for a society deeply rooted in communal responsibility.
When seniors turn 65 in Japan, they undergo assessments to determine their care needs. Services are then tailored to them, emphasizing integration within their local community. Jikka exemplifies this ethos, standing as both a home and a hub for nurturing bonds.
Architecture Rooted in Nature and Meaning
Jikka’s design reflects the natural world that surrounds it. The hut-like structures echo Japan’s ancient dwellings, blending seamlessly with the mountain range in the background. The soaring ceilings flood the interiors with natural light, symbolizing the passage of life from the earthy to the celestial.
For Issei Suma, the home’s architecture captures the journey of life. “By the end of their life, they can somehow grow up to the roof to the ceiling to the sky,” he explains. This poetic vision ties deeply to the Japanese appreciation for simplicity and harmony with nature.
A Vision of Peaceful Aging
Jikka is more than a home—it’s a symbol of hope for aging gracefully, surrounded by love and care. Its existence challenges traditional notions of retirement homes, showing that these spaces can also be vibrant, community-oriented, and deeply personal.
As Japan’s elderly population continues to grow, Nobuko and Sachiko’s story inspires others to think beyond conventional care models. Jikka is not just a retreat but a testament to the power of compassion and creativity.
If you dream of a retirement built on connection, service, and peace, Jikka’s story is a beacon of possibility.
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