Timber Modernism beside the Chapel
The Saijo Eiko Kindergarten Building (西条栄光幼稚園園舎) is a timber Modernist kindergarten joined to the chapel by a corridor of 1951 in Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 26, 2021 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a single-storey timber building with a tiled roof and a building area of 351 square metres; registration number 38-153.
An Open Corridor of Columns and Clerestory Light
The Saijo Eiko Kindergarten building of 1951 is joined by a covered corridor to the west of the Saijo Eiko Church chapel; it is a single-storey gabled building with a pantiled roof whose long plan holds the classrooms (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The open corridor facing the south playground is lined with round columns and rectangular openings, and high windows set flush with the ceiling under the eaves let in daylight (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Agency calls it a fine piece of timber Modernism and notes the subtle variations of design between the three neighbouring buildings.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it as a model of design.
What to Look For
Look for the open corridor of round columns and the high windows flush with the ceiling (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by the Saijo Eiko Kyokai school corporation (Agency for Cultural Affairs). As a kindergarten building, no official information on visits was found. The chapel, parsonage and kindergarten are introduced together on the Saijo Eiko Church page.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1951 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is it linked to the chapel?
- By a covered corridor to the west.
- What is the open corridor like?
- Round columns and rectangular openings.
- How is it rated?
- As a fine piece of timber Modernism.
- When was the Saijo Eiko Kindergarten Building registered?
- On February 26, 2021 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Saijo Eiko Kindergarten Building (西条栄光幼稚園園舎) |
|---|---|
| Location | 236-17 Akeyashiki and other lots, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2021/02/26 (Reiwa 3) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber, tiled roof, 351 m² |
| Owner | Saijo Eiko Kyokai (school corporation) |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Saijo Eiko Kindergarten Building (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00013765
Last verified: 2026.10.26
