What araidashi is
Araidashi is a render mixed with aggregate and washed with water before it sets, so that the stones stand slightly proud of the surface. The colour and size of the aggregate decide the effect.
Modern exteriors used it widely. The Nakazawa watch shop in Nagano Prefecture, built in 1924, is described as standing on a corner with its north-west face towards the temple cut back, two storeys of timber rendered over wire-reinforced concrete in this finish, its detailing following the Secession.
It can imitate stone. The inner storehouse at the Matsumura Residence in Tochigi Prefecture, built in 1925, is described as a three-storey building in Dozo-zukuri, Kirizuma-zukuri and pantiled, entered from the eaves side, notable for having a basement and for a rendered exterior of this kind jointed to look like masonry.
Storehouses use it at the base. The miso store at the Sato Residence in Iwate Prefecture, from the late Taisho period, is described as rendered this way below and finished in Shikkui above, with particular care given to the window surrounds and the gable.
One of several finishes for a base
Storehouse bases take several treatments. Namako-kabe fixes flat tiles with raised plaster joints; Shitami-itabari laps boards horizontally; this one mixes aggregate into render. All three protect the part of the wall that rain damages first.
This finish belongs to the modern period. It became possible only with cement and render in general use, so it does not appear on Edo-period buildings. Where a record names it, that part of the building is modern work or a later repair.
The former garage at the Sato Residence in Iwate Prefecture, from the late Taisho period, is described as finished this way across a front articulated with pilasters and an arched gable, while the rest of the building is plastered with vertical boarding at the base in the manner of a storehouse.
On site, look closely at the wall. Fine stones standing proud of the surface, rough to the touch, identify the finish; a smooth even white surface is plaster.
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs: Registered tangible cultural properties (structures)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/toroku_yukei.html
- National Cultural Properties Database: Nakazawa watch shop, rendered in exposed aggregate with Secession detailing
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003088
- National Cultural Properties Database: Matsumura Residence inner storehouse, its exposed-aggregate render jointed to imitate stone
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003186
- National Cultural Properties Database: former Sato Residence garage, its front finished in exposed aggregate with pilasters and an arched gable
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003024
- National Cultural Properties Database: Sato Residence new storehouse, gabled with a gable-end entrance
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003025
Last verified: 2026.09.10