A School Building Born from Disaster: The Story of Saitama's First Reinforced Concrete School

Standing quietly in the residential neighborhood of Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, the Soka City History and Folklore Museum (Soka-shi Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan) is far more than a typical local museum. The building itself tells a powerful story of community resilience, architectural innovation, and a determination to protect future generations. Originally constructed in 1926 as the West Building of Soka Elementary School, this structure holds the distinction of being Saitama Prefecture's first reinforced concrete school building—a pioneering achievement that emerged directly from the devastating lessons of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

Why This Building Became a Nationally Registered Cultural Property

In 2008, the former Soka Elementary School West Building received official recognition as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Kuni Touroku Yuukei Bunkazai) of Japan. This prestigious designation was awarded because the building represents an outstanding example of architectural design worthy of serving as a model for future construction—a testament to its enduring artistic and historical significance.

The building's distinctive features include its robust two-story reinforced concrete structure, mortar-finished exterior walls with elegantly exposed pilasters, and pairs of tall vertical windows that flood the interior with natural light. Perhaps most striking is the triangular pediment (yamaga-style design) that rises at the center of both the front and rear parapets, adding an artistic flourish that distinguishes this structure from ordinary utilitarian buildings. These design elements demonstrate that even during the Taisho era (1912-1926), Japanese architects were blending Western architectural techniques with aesthetic sensibilities that transcended mere functionality.

The Great Kanto Earthquake: A Catalyst for Innovation

To truly appreciate this building, one must understand the context from which it emerged. On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake struck the Tokyo metropolitan area with devastating force. The catastrophe killed over 100,000 people and left much of Tokyo and Yokohama in ruins. In the aftermath, communities throughout the region began reconsidering how they constructed their most important buildings—especially schools where children spent their days.

The people of Soka made an extraordinary decision. Despite reinforced concrete construction costing more than double the expense of traditional wooden buildings, they chose to invest in an earthquake-resistant and fire-resistant structure to protect their children. This was not merely a practical decision; it was an act of community determination and forward-thinking sacrifice. The building stands today as a monument to that collective commitment.

When the school was completed in 1926, it attracted visitors from across and beyond Saitama Prefecture—curious to see this remarkable example of modern earthquake-resistant architecture. The rooftop was even designed as an outdoor exercise area for students, demonstrating innovative use of the sturdy reinforced concrete structure.

The Architect: Okawa Isamu

The building was designed by Okawa Isamu, an architect with a personal connection to Soka Elementary School—he was himself a graduate of the institution. After completing his studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Okawa returned to his hometown and established an architectural design office in Soka. Throughout his career, he became known as a pioneer in school building design, creating numerous educational facilities that prioritized both safety and aesthetic beauty.

The triangular parapet design that crowns the building is perhaps Okawa's most enduring contribution to Soka's architectural heritage. This distinctive feature gives the building a sense of dignity and permanence that has allowed it to remain relevant and admired nearly a century after its construction.

From School to Museum: A Second Life

The building served its original purpose as an elementary school until the 1979 academic year. Then, in November 1983, it was given new life as the Soka City History and Folklore Museum, becoming a facility dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the Soka region.

Today, the museum houses fascinating exhibitions that bring Soka's rich history to life. The First Exhibition Room features artifacts related to Soka-juku, the second post station on the Nikko Kaido highway during the Edo period, including materials connected to the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho and his masterwork "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North). Visitors can also see the Jomon-period dugout canoe (marukibune) excavated from the Ayase River—a city-designated cultural property that dates back approximately 5,000 years.

The Second Exhibition Room showcases the agricultural and folk heritage of the region, displaying traditional farming tools and equipment used in the production of Soka senbei (rice crackers), one of the city's most famous local products.

Perhaps the most charming space is the Educational Materials Room, which recreates a mid-Showa era classroom complete with vintage wooden desks. This nostalgic setting serves as both an exhibition space and a venue for educational workshops and hands-on experiences.

Highlights and Attractions

The building's exterior is best appreciated from the west-facing main facade, where you can fully observe the rhythmic arrangement of pilasters and windows, crowned by the iconic triangular pediment. The mortar finish, though weathered by nearly a century of exposure, retains a dignified patina that speaks to the building's longevity.

Inside, walking through the corridors with their high ceilings and abundant natural light offers a tangible connection to generations of students who once passed through these same halls. The first-floor corridor features exhibitions about Matsuo Basho and "Oku no Hosomichi," while the second floor displays materials related to local literary figures Toyoda Saburo and Morimura Katsura.

The museum also maintains a corner dedicated to architect Okawa Isamu, honoring the visionary who designed this pioneering structure. Admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible destination for all visitors interested in Japanese architectural history and local culture.

Nearby Attractions: Soka Matsubara and Beyond

A visit to the museum pairs wonderfully with exploration of nearby Soka Matsubara, a 1.5-kilometer avenue of approximately 634 pine trees designated as a National Scenic Beauty in 2014 as part of "Oku no Hosomichi Fukei-chi" (Landscapes of the Narrow Road to the Deep North). This historic pine-lined promenade along the Ayase River evokes the atmosphere of the old Nikko Kaido highway that Matsuo Basho traveled in 1689.

Walking through Soka Matsubara, you'll encounter the elegant Hyakutai Bridge and Yatate Bridge, graceful arch-shaped pedestrian bridges that reference passages from Basho's famous travel journal. Statues of Basho and his traveling companion Kawai Sora add to the literary atmosphere of this scenic corridor.

For those seeking a delicious local experience, Soka is renowned as the birthplace of Soka senbei, traditional hard-baked rice crackers flavored with soy sauce. Several shops in the area offer hands-on senbei-making experiences where visitors can try their hand at grilling these crispy treats over charcoal.

Practical Information for Visitors

The museum is conveniently located an 8-minute walk from Soka Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, making it easily accessible from central Tokyo. The surrounding neighborhood retains a quiet, residential character that offers a refreshing contrast to the bustle of the metropolis.

With free admission and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the Soka City History and Folklore Museum provides an enriching experience that illuminates both the architectural innovation of Taisho-era Japan and the deep historical connections of this former post town. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a literature lover following in Basho's footsteps, or simply curious about Japanese local culture, this hidden gem deserves a place on your Saitama itinerary.