Gables – Irimoyahafu v’s Chidorihafu

Article posted on Friday, March, 19th, 2010 at 11:44 am

In today’s post we’re going to clear up one of the more confusing aspects of Japanese castle roofs. Before I go much further, I’d like to say thank you to Kedvin, a member of the JCE facebook fanpage, who asked what the difference was.

Step 1: identifying the gables
I’ve highlighted the five visible gables of Kumamoto’s Uto Turret below. And you can see Kumamoto’s main tower lurking in the background, which sports yet another type of gable. Ten points to anyone who can name & describe it (in the comments section of course).

Step 2: a closer look
The two gables on the lower floor look the same, right? The two gables on the second floor do too, don’t they? Yes, they do, so no help there. I’ve highlighted the three Irimoyahafu below, the now, un-highlighted gables are Chidorihafu. Can you see how they are different? No?

Step 3: Irimoyahafu truly are part of the roof, not add-ons
The painted blue sections below are the actual roofs of each layer, with the Irimoyahafus at each end. You can now see that the Chidorihafu look added on.

There is something else worth pointing out here – the key difference between Bōrōgata & Sōtōgata towers. Bōrōgata-style towers have Irimoyahafu (resembling the right side of the Uto Turret) and Sōtōgata-style towers don’t (resembling the left side of the Uto Turret). Sōtōgata would only have added-on looking gables (or possibly none at all).

I hope that cleared things up. Hey, I’m glad I was asked the question. We can all benefit from it. Would love to get your thoughts guys..

Shachi is life.

Article posted on Tuesday, February, 9th, 2010 at 4:22 pm

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).