It has been 15 years since Earthbag Building (Superadobe), originally developed in the United States, was introduced to Japan.
Since then, we have been researching, building, and continuously refining the technique to suit Japan's unique climate and environment. Japan experiences four distinct seasons, with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year. For this reason, we have carefully focused on moisture control, durability, and long-term performance, gradually developing an approach that is uniquely suited to Japanese conditions. Alongside structural performance, we also place great importance on organic design and the use of as many natural materials as possible. Our goal is to create spaces where people and nature exist in harmony.
In recent years, our work has attracted growing interest from people around the world, not only for its technical improvements but also for its distinctive aesthetics and thoughtful use of natural materials. We will continue exploring the possibilities of earthbag building in Japan, while helping cultivate a building culture that can be passed on to future generations.
In our 25th Earthbag Workshop, you'll learn not only the Earthbag building method, but also how to work with natural materials such as wood, hemp, and lime plaster. This is a hands-on workshop where you'll gain practical experience by working on a real building—from structural work to interior and exterior finishes using natural materials.
【Schedule】
10-Day Course – Learn the Fundamentals：October 17 (Sat) – October 26 (Mon), 2026
Optional extended participation available for up to 14 days in total.
You'll also have the opportunity to experience plastering work, including the rough coat applied after the earthbag structure is completed.
30-Day Course – From Foundation to Finishing：October 17 (Sat) – November 15 (Sun), 2026
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (including a one-hour lunch break)
【Content】
10-Day Course
Hands-on Training
・Foundation construction・Earthbag wall construction (structural shell)
Theory Sessions
・Interior and exterior finishes for earthbag buildings・How to test and evaluate soil・How to design and build an earthbag dome
Interpreter fee included
【Location】
30-Day Course
Hands-on Training
・Foundation construction ・Earthbag wall construction (structural shell)・Interior and exterior finishes ・Finishing techniques and guidance
Theory Sessions
・Interior and exterior finishing for earthbag buildings ・Soil testing and evaluation ・How to design and build an earthbag dome
Kawachi-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
10-Day Course：US$1,100（¥180,000）
30-Day Course：US$1,700（¥280,000）
10-Day Course：US$1,100（¥180,000）
30-Day Course：US$1,700（¥280,000）
【Course Fee】
【Work process】
Every project begins with the foundation.
As part of the workshop, we begin with land regeneration—helping restore the natural circulation of air and water beneath the ground before we build.
Soil mixed with gravel is packed into jute bags, which are then stacked to form the structure.This is the core process of Earthbag Building. Please note that the schedule and order of the work may change depending on progress. For participants in the 10-day course, this is the planned scope of the workshop.
Once the earthbag structure is complete, we move on to the plastering stage. This time, we'll be using natural materials as much as possible throughout the building process.
During the second half of the 30-day workshop, we'll move on to the finishing work, including tile installation, earthen floor construction, and other final details as the building takes shape.
Please note: The building will not be completed during the workshop. Construction will continue afterward until it is finished, so if you'd like to take part in the ongoing work, we'd love to have you join us. Feel free to get in touch!
Yosuke
Works on construction projects at Nonnem. Specializes in various aspects of natural building, including earthbag construction, plastering, and tile work.
Keisuke
Participant of the Autumn 2025 Earthbag Workshop. Currently active as an earthbag builder on projects across Japan.
Devi
Participates in earthbag construction while serving as an English interpreter for international participants.
Midori
Operator of Nonnem Accommodation.
An earthbag builder working on construction projects across Japan.
【Teachers】
For participants traveling from afar, we provide a log cabin as shared accommodation.
Participants are responsible for their own daily living tasks, such as cleaning and laundry.
【Address】
【Rent】
399-2 Noide, Kawachi-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
10-Day Course (10/16〜10/27)：¥25,000
30-Day Course (10/16〜11/16)：¥38,000
Payment will be made in cash on site.
The fee includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and the accommodation tax.
【Equipment】
Kitchen, Refrigerator, Washing machine, Bathroom, Toilet, Futon bedding, Free parking
※Towels, toiletries, and other personal items are not provided. Please bring your own.
【Notes】
The log cabin is located approximately 5 minutes by car from the workshop site.
Participants will stay in shared rooms separated by gender.
Please note that the accommodation may change depending on the number of participants.
If you would like to extend your stay to the 14-day course, an additional fee will apply.
If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, here are two affordable options nearby:
Example 1: Kusamakura Onsen Tensui Approximately 5 minutes by car from the workshop site. Offers both mountain lodge rooms and tent camping.
Example 2: HIKE hostel / cafe / bar Approximately 20 minutes by car from the workshop site.
There are also other accommodation options in the area, including traditional inns (ryokan) and guesthouses (minshuku). The two options above are simply recommended as affordable examples.
【Meals During the Workshop】
Lunch is included in the workshop fee (excluding days off). If you extend the 10-day course to 14 days, an additional lunch fee will apply. Dinner can be ordered for ¥1,200 per meal. Payment will be made in cash on site. Participants who would like to prepare their own dinner are kindly asked to coordinate the use of the kitchen with the meal preparation team.Breakfast is not provided. There is a supermarket "Citrus" located a 10-minute drive from the site.
【Meeting Information】
On the evening before the workshop begins, we will hold a welcome dinner where participants and staff can get to know each other. The dinner is scheduled to start at around 6:30 PM on the day before the workshop. Further details, including the meeting location, will be sent to participants closer to the workshop date.
【For Participants Arriving by Car】
Parking is available at both the shared house and the workshop site. As some participants may not have access to a car during the workshop, we would greatly appreciate your cooperation in carpooling whenever possible.
【Daily Workflow】
The workshop generally follows a schedule of three working days followed by one day off. Please note that the daily schedule and rest days may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the progress of construction.
【Language】
The workshop is conducted primarily in Japanese. English interpretation will be provided, allowing international participants to follow the instruction and participate in the workshop.
【Cancellation Policy】
After submitting your application, your participation will be confirmed once the workshop fee has been received by bank transfer. Applications will be accepted in the order of payment completion. If the minimum number of participants is not reached one month before the workshop start date, the workshop may be postponed. For cancellations, a full refund will be provided for cancellations made up to one month before the workshop. Cancellations made up to 14 days before the workshop will receive an 80% refund, and cancellations made up to 7 days before the workshop will receive a 50% refund.
【 Office 】
1407-1 Shirahama, Kawachi-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
TEL: 096-288-3720 9:00~19:00 (jp)
E-mail：earthbag.japan@gmail.com
© 2012-2026 Japan Earth Bag Association