The Kaichi School was formerly an elementary school. Originally built in 1876, it operated for close to 90 years. Luminary Matsumoto carpenter Tateishi Seijū designed this masterpiece in the Meiji-era pseudo-Western fashion, combining Japanese and overseas sensibilities.
In 2019, the Kaichi School was formally recognized as a national symbol of early modern school architecture. Its symbolic value runs deep, representing the dawn of a new age of education as well as showing how Japanese architecture was influenced during the early Meiji era – a time of fervent Westernization.
At the time of its construction, this schoolhouse’s building expenses ran close to 11,000 yen – equivalent to hundreds of millions today – with local residents contributing around 70 percent. A fact that communicates the passion of Matsumoto’s residents towards developing Matsumoto into a “school city.”
Now, did you notice the way the schoolhouse’s right and left sides look different when viewed from the front?
They say it’s because the front gate was built slightly to the right of center – a bold design choice that makes the entire school appear symmetrical when viewed from there.
An admiration of the West and cutting-edge technology combined with legendary Japanese architectural engineering gave birth to the former Kaichi School’s fascinating appearance.