In late December afternoon, the Shikairo building stands under a blue sky in Murotsu, Kaminoseki Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture. At first glance, this four-story building with white walls appears to be a Western-style mansion, yet traditional Japanese elements like the tiled roof, white plaster, and charred cedar windows and doors reveal its unique architectural blend.
Photo Description – A Blend of East and West
Shikairo, completed in 1879, is one of the oldest Western-style buildings in the prefecture and a rare example of a four-story wooden structure with a pseudo-Western design. Located in a region historically crucial for maritime traffic, the building served as a guesthouse and lodging facility, commissioned by Kogata Kenkyu. Its design intricately combines Western and Japanese aesthetics, from the plaster carvings of lions and peonies on the third floor to the phoenix carvings on the ceiling of the fourth floor, along with French stained-glass windows.
Story Behind the Photo – Capturing Historical Reflections
As I photographed Shikairo, I reflected on its historical significance in Kaminoseki, a key maritime hub. The building symbolizes the area’s prosperous past, blending local tradition with foreign influences. Pressing the shutter, I aimed to capture not just the building’s unique appearance but also the historical echoes it embodies.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Preserving History Through the Lens
Capturing Shikairo was about preserving a piece of architectural history. The challenge was to represent its dual nature, highlighting both its Western façade and its Japanese soul. The building’s detailed construction and its role in Kaminoseki’s history were aspects I sought to convey in this photograph.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: Olympus PEN-F
- Lens: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO
- Shutter Speed: 1/400s
- Aperture: ƒ8
- ISO: ISO 400
- Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
Location