The object of this study is to clarify the construction and historical trends of the homes with middle corridors, as found in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The method of investigation was principally a field study of 158 homes in seven districts in Goto City. The study concentrated on analyzing the floor plans and age of the homes as well as the name given to the living space by the occupants. The use of the rooms was analyzed both in daily use as well as on special occasions. Particular attention was given to the relationship between the redidence with middle corridors and the living room. It is to be noted that the analysis was made with four new types of middle corridors in mind. Results of the study are as follows: 1. Of the seven districts, there were 48 houses equipped with middle corridors in 6 districts (The village of Hantomari is not included.), and, of these, 30 households referred to the room as living room. 2. Of the Goto City houses equipped with middle corridors, there were four types of corridors: 14 right-key corridors, 7 left-key corridors, 20 left/right-key corridors, and 7 straight corridors. 3. In the six districts, the oldest house with middle corridor built in 1951 was located in Dozaki and had a straight middle corridor. 4. The living rooms in houses with middle corridors in the six districts had four types which had changed over time from being a middle living space to a house with a middle corridor. And, at the same time, the separation of living rooms and bedrooms was also seen. Also, there were some cases where the middle living space had been transformed into the living room; the rooms were used for two purposes. There were four types of such houses. 5. The Goto City houses with middle corridors were mostly the straight corridor type houses, and the living rooms of these types were located to the rear. It is clear that this type house with a middle corridor is particular to Goto City.
