What kentozuka means
A kentozuka is a short post set in the interval between columns, capped with a bearing block that supports the horizontal member above. Standing between upper and lower beams, it helps carry load at mid-span and relieves the plainness of the space beneath the eaves.
Other intercolumnar supports include the frog-leg strut and the futatsudo, two blocks side by side. In Wayō buildings, bracket sets stand only on the posts, and the intervals carry kentozuka or frog-leg struts, in contrast to Zen-style Tsumegumi, which repeats full bracket sets between posts. Being simple in form, the kentozuka is often combined with frog-leg struts or chosen according to a building's rank and the position in it.
Reading the records and the building
Records give the intercolumnar support. The main hall of Motoyamaji in Mitoyo, Kagawa, a National Treasure in the wayō style, is noted for the unusual layout of kentozuka in the lower tier and frog-leg struts in the upper tier between its outer posts. The two-storey gate of Hokoji in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, has kentozuka between its posts and a double block in the central bay. The gate of Otori Shrine in Koka, Shiga, has both frog-leg struts and kentozuka.
On site, look up between the posts under the eaves for a short post topped with a bearing block. A board-like member with curving legs is a frog-leg strut; full bracket sets between the posts indicate tsumegumi.
References
- 大鳥神社楼門｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00002780
- 本山寺本堂｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/3305
- 方広寺山門｜国指定文化財等データベース（文化庁）
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012929
Last verified: 2026.09.27