【日々の英語】 Admiring An Important Cultural Property Through Your 5 Senses

23 June 2024

I was inspired by a Japanese drama that features some beautiful historic buildings to visit one of the important cultural properties in Tokyo, the Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan. Even though it's just a stone’s throw from Ikebukuro station, one of the biggest and busiest stations in Tokyo, the site sits in a very quiet place. The building used to be a girls' school more than a hundred years ago, and it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in collaboration with the Japanese architect, Endo, who studied under him.

When you see the building, you'll notice its dramatic long horizontal lines and low-pitched hipped roofs. This architectural style is known as ‘Prairie Style’ which is most common in the Midwestern United States. The horizontal lines are meant to evoke the wide, flat expanses of America’s native prairie landscape.

The exterior of the Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan

One of the most striking features of the architecture is the geometrically patterned wooden window frames used throughout the building, creating a great visual effect. The enormous windows facing onto an open courtyard in the central hall are truly remarkable. In contrast to Wright’s sophisticated design, the soft texture and the warmth of Ōya stone add a distinctly Japanese feel.

The iconic windows in the central hall

A pillar made from Oya stone

What I'm impressed with is the concept behind the Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan. Although it's an important cultural property, they have made it available for multiple purposes including marriage ceremonies, seminars, concerts, and public lectures, to make us feel more connected to the property.

You can look at the beautiful structure, smell and touch the tables, chairs, and other school furniture, hear the sound of birds chirping, and taste some sweets and drinks in the dining hall - it's a perfect place to admire the architecture through your five senses.

Jiyugakuen Myonichikan