Shachi is life.

     

Tiger-carp hybrids, Killer whales and Dragon-headed fish have all been used to describe Shachihoko. Whatever the origins of the mythical fish-tailed beast, they have been used to adorn roofs of Japanese castles, turrets and gates for centuries. Certainly they contribute to the overall beauty of these buildings but primarily they were symbols of good luck to ward off the threat of fire. Given their abysmal track record at Kanazawa & Edo castles (to name just two), their credibility seems flaky at best.

In almost every case, pairs of Shachi (one male & one female) sit on the ridges of roofs at opposing corners, forever facing off like immovable & disgruntled contortionists. It is said that the Shachi with the opened mouth is the male. Perhaps their expressions would soften if the male Shachi just kept its mouth shut.

Shachi of note

  • Nagoya Castle – Giant gold-plated, copper Shachi.
  • Matsue Castle – Japan’s biggest at 2.08 meters tall. The original Shachi are now housed inside the tower.
  • Maruoka Castle – Carved from stone. The original Shachi now sit at the base of the tower.
  • Saga Castle – The “Shachi” Gate are adorned with truly beautiful Shachi.
  • Shibata Castle – Three Shachi sit atop the Sangai Turret. (blatant oneupmanship).
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  • http://www.poolofzen.com コルーズ・真秀

    What a great post! I always wondered what the significance of these guys were. And of course, nothing in Japan is without its cultural importance! My favorite are the ones affixed to Osaka Castle. They all have very similar designs don’t they.

    I like your jokes about their fire prevention abilities and the male fish keeping his mouth shut!

    Here’s a semi related question…. along the same lines as the Shachi. On many of the castles, (Especially Himeji) there are odd shaped fixtures along the roof. I think they look like the silhouette of a samurai sitting in seiza… or maybe just a obake looking down on us mortals. Since I first saw one I wondered what it’s was there for. My Japanese friend didn’t know. Like the fish, they don’t seem to have much structural purpose. (Honestly, I doubt that they are much more successful at putting out fires.)

    Let me know if you know what I’m talking about, I have a photo I can send if you like.

    Matt

  • admin

    Hi Matt,

    Glad you enjoyed the post. I really had fun writing this one.

    I’m not exactly sure what you’re talking about with regard to the “silhouette of a samurai sitting in seiza” but I wonder if your not talking about a Kara hafu (唐破風) or one of the other types of gables (of which Himeji certainly has its share). Perhaps a picture woul’d be best.

    Congrats again on the JLPT.

  • http://matiasstella.com matiasStella

    nice post! I’ve always wondered about those roof adornments while travelling.

    good stuff ;)

  • http://www.poolofzen.com コルーズ・真秀

    Thanks again on the JLPT…. Still a bit confused as to how I passed!!!! -I think they mixed my score up with someone… (Not that I’m complaining!) Now I’m left wondering…. “Now what?”

    It isn’t the Kara Hafu.(Though the Kara Hafu are very cool)… I’ll send you a picture. stand-by…..

  • http://www.poolofzen.com コルーズ・真秀

    Okay,

    Here is the link to a photo.
    http://picasaweb.google.com/Poolofzen/MattSJapanTrip08#5436444386462802594

    Also, you can see a bunch of them all over the roof-line in this photo
    http://picasaweb.google.com/Poolofzen/MattSJapanTrip08#5436445422082532306

    They may just be a variation on the Shichi theme. But, Himeji Castle has both. Enjoy!

    Matt

    And of Course, congratulations to you for all your hard work and passing the JLPT. I’m sure it is hard to practice Japanese when everyone wants to speak English with you!

  • admin

    Matt, The things of which you speak are Onigawara (鬼 瓦). I found a link that may prove useful but you’ll need to flex your JLPT muscles.

    http://watashiteki.seesaa.net/article/97196263.html

    Thanks for the question. Now I know. :)

  • http://www.thepoolofzen.com 真秀

    Now I know too. Thanks, I was wondering if there was something significant about those, or if I was just seeing things.

  • http://japandave.com/2010/05/shachihoko/ Daily HDR photo of a Shachihoko, a dragon-fish castle guardian — JapanDave

    [...] If you want to read more on these guys, my friend Daniel O’Grady wrote a bit about Shachihoko at his blog. [...]

  • http://community.japanese-castle-explorer.com/shachi-bling/ Shachi bling

    [...] (What are Shachi?) [...]