Latest news with #RetroJapan
The Mainichi
4 days ago
- General
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Elegant Kobe College architecture designed to influence students
NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo -- Standing in style, Kobe College buildings in this western Japan city were designed to inspire class among its students in the early Showa era (1926-1989), and they still retain their dignity. Passing through the reddish-tiled main gate and ascending a slope, one is greeted by the refined school buildings of Kobe College. The campus harmonizes with its natural surroundings and still retains 12 buildings designed by William Merrell Vories (1880-1964), who left behind many renowned architectural works. Under Vories' design philosophy, which posited that the grace of buildings positively influences students, the college was completed in 1933. Near the center of the campus is the cream-colored Administration Building, constructed in the Spanish Mission style. It is connected via interior corridors to the auditorium and chapel, forming a single structure with three functions. The auditorium features semicircular arch that separates the stage from the seating area, creating a space with a sense of grandeur. The chapel's windows use amber-colored glass, which bathes the interior in golden light. This seems to reflect Vories' architectural spirit aimed at distinguished architecture that nurtures a loving heart. The campus architecture is open to the public several times a year on an irregular basis. During these times, trained students act as "tour meisters" to explain the charm of the buildings. (Japanese original by Maiko Umeda, Osaka Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Feb. 5, 2023. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
The Mainichi
11-05-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Modern inverted trapezoid 'castle' stands on real ruins in Okayama Pref.
TSUYAMA, Okayama -- A "modern castle" with an inverted trapezoid shape, built in this western Japan city in 1965 on the former site of a real castle, continues to capture attention while serving the local community as a culture center. The Tsuyama Culture Center stands on the grounds of the Tsuyama Castle Ruins, where the keep used to stand and the grand stone walls remain. The facility arose from the wishes of local women who desired a gathering place. With citywide donations, the culture center was completed in 1965 as a "modern castle." The building was designed by architect Koshi Kawashima (1925-2009). It is a three-story structure with a basement and is made of reinforced concrete. Its exterior design incorporates elements inspired by "tokyo," a system supporting eaves with bearing blocks (masu) and bracket arms (hijiki) that is seen in traditional wooden architecture like Buddhist temples. The building's design contrasts with the adjacent stone walls that broaden toward the bottom, with its upper floors extending outward, forming an inverted trapezoid. The relief on an exterior wall was created by graphic designer Kiyoshi Awazu (1929-2009), who drew lines directly on the concrete, which were then carved by four craftspeople over about a month. Inside, the facility features a large hall, foyer, corridors and meeting rooms. In 2020, a two-year renovation project was completed. The culture center continues to serve as a hub for community interaction, rooted in the local area. Visitors wishing to see the inside must make reservations. (Japanese original by Takao Kitamura, Osaka Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on April 20, 2025. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
The Mainichi
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Morioka museum roof design inspired by shape of local 'half-sided Mt. Fuji'
MORIOKA -- The roof of a museum here is somewhat odd-looking, but it was intentionally designed with the motif of the local "half-sided Mount Fuji." While wandering through the expansive Morioka Castle Ruins Park in the northeastern Japan city of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, a unique building caught this reporter's attention -- the Morioka History and Culture Museum. Originally designed by architect Kiyonori Kikutake, the structure served as the former Iwate prefectural library, which was completed in 1967. Following the library's relocation, the facility was turned into a museum in 2011 to preserve and exhibit materials related to Morioka's history and culture. Although the building has undergone renovations and extensions, much of its exterior remains as it was when first completed. The roof's design is inspired by Mount Iwate, affectionately known locally as "Nanbu Katafuji" (half-sided Fuji of the Nanbu region) because one side of its silhouette resembles the gentle slope of Mount Fuji. The roof's dignified appearance can be appreciated from both the front and side of the building. The ridge decoration "Futaba" (two cotyledons), created by sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi, symbolizes the ever growing culture of Iwate. The building is intentionally low in height, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Although the roof windows are sealed to protect exhibits, the open space design with a double-height ceiling is still evident. As I immersed myself in the history and culture of the castle town, the center of the former Morioka domain (16th to 19th century) governed by the Nanbu clan, I found an unexpected sense of tranquility settling over me. (Japanese original by Akihiro Ogomori, Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Jan. 8, 2023. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
The Mainichi
26-04-2025
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: 'Golden wave' hot spring inn in Kumamoto Pref. thriving for over a century
YATSUSHIRO, Kumamoto -- A hot spring inn called " Kinparo," literary translating to "golden wave tower," in this southwestern Japan city has been attracting guests for more than a century. The "ryokan" Japanese-style inn, located in the Hinagu Onsen hot spring resort in the city of Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, showcases an intricate combination of hipped roof and gabled roof styles. This wooden three-story facility's main building was completed in 1909. Each floor is equipped with eaves, and the exterior is covered with large glass windows, providing an open feel. The name Kinparo was inspired by the view from the third floor, where the sunset over the Yatsushiro Sea made the waves appear golden. While three-story inns were common in this resort district, Kinparo was one of the largest. Upon entering the ryokan, the grand staircase leading to the guest rooms immediately catches the eye. The design is predominantly traditional Japanese, with only the staircase handrail featuring a Western-style design. The floors have been polished over the years since construction, exuding a serene atmosphere. The floor of the section just inside the entrance, as well as the floor below the washbasin, are adorned with Arita porcelain tiles, adding a luxurious touch. According to the inn, its eastern wing used to be a different ryokan but was "pulled and connected" when it was acquired. In 2009, Kinparo was designated a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, and it continues to thrive with overnight guests and day visitors for bathing. (Japanese original by Minoru Kanazawa, Kyushu Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on April 6, 2025. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
