In the years of rapid economic growth after World War II, minka began to disappear rapidly from the Japanese landscape. Traditionally, everything necessary for daily life was made by hand: straw raincoats and hats were made of woven grasses, baskets of plaited vines , and sandals and mats of rice straw. Foodstuffs of all kinds were grown and processed at home, including such stapes as miso (fermented soybean paste) and toku (bean curb). But rapid economic growth upset the old pattern of life in rural communities. Self-sufficiency gave way to reliance on manufactured consumer goods. and farmers ceased to make many of the articles formerly fashioned by hands. Today, people are showing a renewed appreciation of the beauty of traditional crafts, but the existence of Minka faces multiple fronts of challenges.

In Japan, there is a 20-30 year cycle of tearing down and rebuilding houses.  The trees used for building houses have to be sixty years or older.  Japan can only produce a quarter of building timbers needed for construction in affordable price, remaining amount has to be imported.

The significance of Minka Reusing

• Even though the Minka materials can still be used. old minka houses and their materials end up becoming industrial waste and costing a lot of money in demolition and disposal fees.  There has been opposition towards the misuse of these valuable materials, bring new attention to the importance of reusing and recycling.
• Minka houses are made up of a collection of natural materials, particularly trees from the local area.  The design and structure is derived from Japanese carpentry skills that have been passed down and fostered for thousands of years.  The unique post and beam construction become revered as an art.  Minka represents a simple natural beauty without much waste.
• Materials used for minka are sturdy since they were dried naturally over a long period of time.  They have a unique gloss and beauty that is not found in newer materials that were charred black with smoke from a fireplace.

Throughout Japan, Minka are still being demolished.  In order to save and reuse these minka, below are a few considerations.

• Limited Number of Skilled Technicians.
  The number of skilled technicians who know the traditional methods of post and beam construction has greatly declined.  Over the past sixty years after WWII, the traditional carpentry techniques and skills that had once been a source of pride in Japan were forgotten and replaced by newer techniques.  Therefore, there is a urgent need to cultivate young carpenters to become interested in the traditional post and beam construction methods.
• The trees that are used for the wooden posts and beams of minka need to be in a certain height and with a large circumference.  However, the lumber supply of these high grade materials is becoming scarce due to the ways timbers are used in the modern industry.
• Consistency with basic building regulations
  The traditional post and beam construction is not completely compatible with basic building regulations.  Therefore, it is necessary to gather research for social recognition and make the construction of minka compatible to modern regulations.
• Energy Efficiency
  Minka are suited for construction in warmer regions.  They cannot provide a comfortable living environment that is accepted by modern living unless technological measure is introduced for insulation.