Sleeping, Working, and Storage Space (Nando and Kagi no Ma)
The nando and kagi no ma are private areas in the house of an ashigaru (foot soldier). The origin of these rooms speaks eloquently of changes in the lives of ashigaru during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Nando
The nando was originally used to store everyday items. It was also used as a sleeping space. Families would arrange their bedding (futon) to sleep together in this room. However, as the size of a family increased, so did the number of items in daily use. Limited space often led to the addition of an extra room.
Kagi no Ma
Family size expanded in the Shimizu Family House, and accordingly the kagi no ma was added onto the far end of the nando. Its name probably comes from its position in the house layout, which resembles the L-shape of a traditional Japanese key (kagi). Rooms like this, which are not typical in Japanese architecture, probably emerged in response to the specific structural demands and interior spatial limitations of the time.
This cramped addition was used much like a study or workspace. It was here that ashigaru families read or did their various side jobs. Children might also help with the work, study, or play here. At night, the children would sleep in this room.