Harmony in the design of the Japanese Home

I've been reading today about traditional Japanese architecture, particularly that of the home.  In his book entitled "The Inner Harmony of the Japanese House," author Atsushi Ueda 

reveals the underlying patterns and hidden harmony that took centuries to evolve: he discusses the ways in which shoji [latticed paper and wooden doors] exploit the natural light to create a subdued radiance; the way decorated sliding doors and movable partitions define one's sense of living space; and the function of a miniature garden as viewed from inside the house as well as out. 

From the preface to "The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors," by Alexandra Black and Noboru Murata:

Traditional Japanese architecture emphasizes economy of design and an unsurpassed sensitivity to the natural environment.

It seems to me that the Japanese house is supposed to draw in the surroundings (sights, sounds) outside of the house, and create order and economical use of space within the house.  In that way, the home is meant to create awareness that the people inside are participating members of the environmental balance outside, and should be mindful of only using what they need to survive and no more.

This last paragraph is conjecture based on about an hour of research on my part, but it sounds true, doesn't it?


Exterior

I like the overbearing, protective feeling that these low-hanging roofs project.

From "The Ramen Girl" (2008)

I find that I tend to watch movies by Hayao Miyazaki when I need to be comforted.  I think this is because of the sense of balance and harmony that he presents in his movies, whether between the characters (the very young and the very old are honored and respected in his movies, for instance, whereas I feel that beautiful, successful young 20-somethings are where it's at in North America) or in the composition of his shots. This still from "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) is a good example of that (rough use of thirds, idyllic scene, harmonious colors).

From "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988)

 Interior

Clean, deliberate, harmonious.  Here you can see how the smallest of partitions create definition of different spaces while still allowing the eye to flow through most of the house in one gaze.  Even a small home can seem bigger using this technique.

From "The Ramen Girl" (2008)

 

From "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988)

In this still from "The Hidden Blade" (2004), definition of space is created using levels in the flooring.  It's a tiny space, but it knows what it is due to the relative heights of the different areas.