The objective of this study is to find a way in which the factors relating to the succession of the village landscape of Sasabuki (thatched roof with dwarf bamboo, Sasa palmata) in the Tango Peninsula, can be determined, by understanding the processes of change occurring within its landscape, the causes of the decreasing number of Sasabuki houses, and the practical difficulties in maintaining them. We chose Kamiseya in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, analyzed documents concerning Kamiseya and we interviewed local residents, asking them how they maintained and managed Sasabuki roofs, and the reasons why they gave up Sasabuki. Then, we selected 6 other cases of thatched houses, and did the same analysis as the previous. In Kamiseya, management of Sasabuki houses was previously supported by system of mutual assistance. From 1960 to 1970, Sasabuki houses dramatically decreased. The causes were lack of labor due to rapid depopulation and aging, and a reduction of dwarf bamboo resources in both quantity and quality, because Kayaba had been replaced by artificial forests. Of those surveyed, the householders personal attachment to Sasabuki have allowed for the maintenance. It is significant to devise a system, which manages and utilizes Sasabuki in order to allow the succession of Sasabuki village landscape.
