This time, we present an installment of our special Japanophiles series, which features lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Historically, most Japanese houses have been made of wood. But housebuilding has become more mechanized, and traditional carpentry skills are in decline. One man carrying on that ancient legacy is a Canadian named Adam Zgola. From selecting the lumber to cutting and assembling it, Zgola works as a lead carpenter, handling every step with care and precision.

One important part of any trip is choosing a place to stay. And if you come to Japan, you have a wide variety of options, from traditional Japanese inns called ryokan to capsule hotels where you sleep in a tiny pod for one. You can even stay overnight at a temple or shrine. This time on Japanology Plus, our topic is hotels and inns. Our guest is Takao Ikado, a travel industry expert and consultant who works to support ryokan establishments. And in Plus One, the latest trends in capsule hotels.