MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

In partial fulfillment in History of Architecture 3

Submitted by:
Julienne Renée E. Echavez

Submitted to:
AR. Yosef Maru Pablo

June 20, 2022

4th Quarter 2021-2022

 BACKGROUND
Japanese architecture has a distinct history from western architecture in terms of
how it was split up, the materials available, and the influences that transformed
how architecture appeared throughout the years.

Like most Japanese art and culture, Japanese architecture has a long and well-
documented history. Japan's architecture has long been greatly inspired by China.
Still, in certain areas, such as the availability of materials and the purpose of the
structures, it has gone its own way.

Japanese architecture's unmistakable 'look' dates back to around 57 B.C., give or

take. Before this, Japanese houses were built of wood with dirt floors and had
little in common with comparable homes a thousand miles away.

The most significant structures, however, were the shrines, which were
constructed to highlight the most exemplary Japanese architecture. Although they
were frequently demolished and reconstructed every two decades, the
reconstructions were meticulously accurate to the initial model to ensure that
they did not vary significantly over time. These, too, were fashioned of wood and
frequently came with magnificent gardens.

With the tower design and building materials, the style of these shrines inspired
the architectural style of household and even modern architecture. It has also
affected western architecture, with renowned architects such as Frank Wright
drawing inspiration from it. Throughout Japan's history, there have been various
periods of innovation in architecture. Early wooden constructions, including
shrines and temples constructed by the nobility, dominated the early seventh
century.

The Asuka and Nara architectural periods were also times of flourishing art and
culture in Japan at this time. The Heian period (9th century) saw a continuation of
this and the beginning of Chinese influence when one of Japan's most prominent
architects journeyed to China to study architecture and brought his ideas back to
Japan. Wooden temples began to appear in more significant numbers, along with
styles that were both unique and evocative of the past.

1
 BACKGROUND
They were erected in the manner of shrines, with wooden powers and outcropping
roofs, and were significantly different from the medieval castles of Europe. They
were designed to accommodate feudal lords and their armies while maintaining the
grandeur of the shrines they were inspired by. The number of fires in the cities
caused a boom in timber materials as Japan entered the modern age.

The gorgeous, exquisite shrines and temples that inspired the castles and
dwellings could be found nowhere else in the west. Despite being influenced by
Korean and Chinese architects, Japanese architects went separately with their
significant dependence on non-stone materials and the use of religious symbols
even in military structures. This resulted in a distinct and magnificent
architectural style that many visitors and residents love visiting whenever they
can (FCPS World, 2022).

2
 INFLUENCES
During different periods, foreign cultural influences have saturated Japanese
culture. These influences came mainly from Korea and China initially and, more
recently, from Europe and the United States. In both situations, the Japanese were
open to outside ideas and strove to emulate what they saw as superior
civilizations. Foreign influences were gradually integrated and became part of
Japanese tradition, resulting in a backlash. Instead of being overwhelmed by other
cultures, the Japanese have often displayed an aptitude for combining many
influences into new forms that convey fundamental Japanese values and aesthetic
preferences (Young & Yew, 2022).

Geographical

Japan is made up of a series of islands known as an archipelago. Four main islands

and countless smaller ones make up the archipelago. Because of the hilly
landscape, there isn't much suitable ground for cultivation. Due to geography, the
Japanese relied on water for many areas of everyday life. Trade with China and
Korea became critical to obtain the resources they needed.

As soon as 100 B.C.E., cultural transmission occurred between Japan and China
through commerce and migration. Japan acquired the Chinese writing system and a
similar architectural style. Buddhism was one of the key concepts that inspired
Japan. While Shintoism was the predominant religion, the Japanese people adopted
many Buddhist ideas and traditions. In Japan, both faiths are still practiced
today.

Religion

The traditional date for the arrival of Buddhism in Japan is 538; however, 552 is
also commonly used. The Asuka Period spans the time from the advent of Buddhism
and the Taika Reform of 645. The Asuka Period is named after the Asuka district
near Nara, home to Japan's first actual capital. As Japan fell under the influence
of continental culture during the Asuka Period, it was completely altered.

3
 INFLUENCES
When Buddhism was introduced, a debate ensued between the Mononobe and Soga
clans about whether the new religion should be formally embraced or if Shinto
should maintain its dominance. This discussion took place at a period when Japan
was swiftly transitioning from a federation of powerful clans to a country
governed by the Yamato State. The Yamato Court intended to employ Buddhism as a
political instrument to further solidify its control, and the Soga clan, who
supported the official acceptance of Buddhism, won.

Empress Suiko was named Prince Shtoku Regent in 593, and he was more interested
in Buddhism's theological and intellectual components than in its employment as a
political instrument. He became a passionate member of the new religion and
aggressively promoted it. Many Korean artisans traveled to Japan under his
sponsorship to build Buddhist temples and adorn them with sculptures, paintings,
and decorative arts. Hryji Temple in Nara and Shitennji Temple in Osaka were the
two primary complexes built by Prince Shtoku.

However, the original temple was Hkji, which was eventually dubbed Asukadera
(tera, or dera, means "temple") by locals due to its location. It was built in 596 by
Soga no-Umako with the assistance of Paekche's Korean ruler. In 718, most of the
structures were relocated to Nara and renamed Gangji, but the statue of the
historical Buddha (Shaka) 's chief object of devotion was left behind and is now
housed in a modern structure. Despite being terribly damaged and in poor repair,
the figure is historically significant as Japan's first Buddhist statue.

Political

Tokugawa Ieyasu accomplished Japan's unification, built a centralized feudal

government, and relocated his military capital to Edo (later renamed Tokyo),
ushering in 250 years of relative peace and isolation. The pinnacle of the social
hierarchy was occupied by samurai. Still, merchants soon took control of the
riches, and for the first time in Japanese history, ordinary people became the
pioneers of new cultural innovations.

4
 INFLUENCES
Several new advancements arose due to centralized feudalism, which directly
impacted the architecture of the time. Post towns appeared along critical
highways leading to the capital, for example. The Tkaid, one of the principal roads
between Kyoto and Edo, was the most famous of these routes. The daimyo and their
retainers went to and from Edo, and post towns, most of which were tiny, were
spaced apart to offer overnight housing. The shogunate helped preserve these post
towns by establishing Hanjin (government-appointed inns) and horse stables for
daimyo, nobles, and high-ranking priests.

There were also other inns, such as waki-Hanjin for important lower-ranking
persons and hatagoya for regular people. Inns at the bottom of the ladder required
customers to prepare their own meals. On the historic Nakasend Road, post towns
like Tsumago and Magome still have Edo Period structures and are famous tourist
sites.

Castle towns like Kanazawa were built to fulfill the interests of the local lord, and
zoning restrictions mirrored the importance placed on castle defense. Around the
castle, samurai quarters were typically built; the next area inside the town limits
was reserved for the machine (merchant stores with living quarters), and the third
region was reserved for temples. Outside the city bounds, quarters for the poor,
such as "untouchables" and beggars, as well as pleasure districts, were
established. These outer "rings of defense" were regularly torched during wartime,
either by the enemy or the lord himself. He was typically unconcerned with the
welfare of the ordinary people in his region.

Regional administrative centers like Takayama, which functioned as the seat of

shogunal deputies; port towns like Sakai and Nagasaki; towns like Uji and Yamada
that sprang up around prominent temples and shrines; and mining towns like
Aikawa were among the other sorts of cities. These regional urban areas generated
a new chōnin (townspeople) culture, dominated by businessmen's residences,
stores, industries and castles, samurai mansions, and governmental structures.
The growth of Kura (storehouses) - special fireproof arrangements for
safeguarding the riches of the moneyed classes, who spent their leisure time
pursuing pleasure – was a distinguishing feature of provincial towns (Young &
Yew, 2019).

5
 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS
Wood

Wood dominates traditional Japanese architecture. Wood was favored over stone
or other materials due to the humidity, the risk of earthquakes, and the potential
of typhoons since it allowed for sufficient ventilation to battle the environment
and was durable in the face of natural disasters. As a sign of respect, no paint was
applied to the walls of traditional Japanese residences. They respected the wood
by not covering it with anything to hide its intrinsic beauty. Furthermore, many
constructions, particularly temples and shrines, do not use nails. Instead, they
design the building's frames to fit together like puzzle pieces, interlocking them
securely in a technique known as tokyō ( 斗栱). Sustainability and profound links to
nature are valued in Japanese design.

Roofs

In most structures, traditional Japanese architecture's curving, extended roofs are

a central element. They are significant not merely for their aesthetic value but
also for their structural significance. Roofs in Japanese architecture are
classified as kirizuma (gabled roof), yosemune (hipped roof), irimoya (hip-and-
gable roof), and hogyo (hip-and-gable roof) (square pyramidal roof). Summers in
Japan bring a lot of rain; thus, roof eaves are created extensively to shield
windows from it. Eaves are often adorned with intricate and symbolic kawara
(traditional Japanese roof tiles), which also serve as rain protection. During the
summer, many Japanese people like opening their windows for fresh air and the
soothing pitter-patter of rain, which is well protected by their roofs.

6
 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS
Shoji and Fusuma

Shōji (movable screens) and fusuma (slide doors) were usually present in historic
Japanese dwellings. shōji is made of wooden frames with translucent paper that
allows light to pass through, whereas fusuma is opaque and does not allow light to
pass through. They are usually solid white in most houses. However, they are
frequently painted in shrines or temples. Despite their similarities, their duties
are distinct. Both shōji and fusuma are used as internal doors and partitions to
split and re-divide rooms. Still, only shōji is employed as windows, outside walls,
and exterior doors because they enable light and shadows to flicker inside
dwellings, giving them a warm air.

7
 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS
Engawa

Engawa (Japanese for "edge side") is a type of non-tatami-matted flooring that

looks like a porch. Their purpose is to connect the inside of the home with the
outside. They are usually built of wood or bamboo. Shoes are not worn on engawa
since they are part of a house. Shoes can be put on the typical stone step next to it
instead. Many people like sitting on engawa throughout the summer, resting and
enjoying the natural surroundings, or speaking with family and friends while
basking in the sun.

8
 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS
Genkan

Traditional Japanese entrance places (Genkan ) are typically found within a house,
just in front of the door. Before entering the main section of the home, shoes are
removed and deposited in the Genkan. They are recessed lower than the rest of the
building's floor to keep dirt out, similar to a mud room. They may be found in
almost every Japanese house, hotel, school, business, and other structure.

9
 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS
Relationship with Nature

All life has purpose and worth in Japanese culture, as seen by their reverence for
nature. They prefer to work in harmony with nature rather than trying to control
it. Homes and structures are considered part of the landscape, blending in with it.
There is no pushing or pulling, only a flow of mutual understanding between man-
made and natural systems. Japanese traditional architecture has become a vital
source of inspiration and wisdom in recent years, as contemporary architects and
designers strive to create a new generation of circular and sustainable design
(Toki, 2022)

10
 PROMINENT EXAMPLES
Byodo-in Temple

The Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recently renovated in 2014, is

located in the heart of Uji, a tiny town not far from Kyoto. This temple, which is
well-known in Japan, is said to be the pinnacle of Heian noble art (794-1185).
During your tour, be sure to pay a visit to this magnificent temple. The main
building, built-in 1053 by Regent Yorimichi Fujiwara on a small island in the
middle of a pond, is known as Phoenix Hall, or hoodo because its architectural
form with two wings evokes the legendary animal's flight. Two bronze birds perch
on the roof: Fenghuang, Chinese phoenixes, known in Japanese as hoo, which is
why the structure is known as hoodo, Phoenix Hall. Byodoin was erected initially
in 998 as a countryside vacation residence for Fujiwara no Michinaga, a famous
statesman. Michinaga's son converted Byodoin into a temple and had the Phoenix
Hall built as its most remarkable feature. (Japan Experience, 2020).

11
 PROMINENT EXAMPLES
Horyu-Ji Pagoda

During the time of Prince Shotoku (594-622 CE), regent to his aunt, Empress
Suiko, the Horyuji Temple in Nara in Japan was founded in 607 CE by Prince
Shotoku. It was built due to the dying wishes of Emperor Yomei, wherein he
wanted to make a temple and an image of Buddha as a form of observance and
prayer for recovery from illness. Shotoku assisted in the spread of Buddhism in
Japan, which had arrived in the mid-6th century C.E. via Korea. It is the only
Asuka Period Buddhist monastery that has survived in its original state. The
complex includes the oldest wooden structures in Japan, with 48 listed buildings,
including a 5-story pagoda. Many ancient Buddhist artworks may be seen within
the temples, including some of the first metal and wood figures created by
Japanese artists. The temple complex was designated the country's first UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1993 (Cartwright, 2022).

12
 REFERENCES
Architecture Courses. (2021). History of traditional Japanese architecture. History
of Traditional Japanese Architecture | ArchitectureCourses.Org. Retrieved June
20, 2022, from https://www.architecturecourses.org/history-traditional-japanese-
architecture

Cartwright, M. (2022, June 17). Horyuji. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved

June 20, 2022, from https://www.worldhistory.org/Horyuji/

FCPS. (2022). FCPS World I sol standards: W.H.I. 10C Japan - loudoun county
public schools. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from
https://www.lcps.org/cms/lib/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/20739/Japan.pdf

Japan Experience. (2020). The byodo-in temple. The Byodo-in Temple | Japan
Experience. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.japan-experience.com/all-
about-japan/kyoto/temples-shrines/byodo-in

Toki. (2022). The eight elements of Japanese traditional architecture - toki.

Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2020/4/8/eight-
elements-of-japanese-architecturev

Young, D., Young, M., & Yew, T. H. (2019). The art of Japanese architecture:
History, culture, design. Tuttle Publishing.

12