Seishido: A Taisho-Era Masterpiece Honoring Shibusawa Eiichi
Nestled within the grounds of the Oyori Community Center in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, Seishido (誠之堂) stands as one of the finest examples of Taisho-period architecture in Japan. This elegant brick building was constructed in 1916 to celebrate the 77th birthday (kiju) of Shibusawa Eiichi, widely regarded as the father of Japanese capitalism. Designated as a national Important Cultural Property in 2003, Seishido offers visitors a rare glimpse into the artistic sophistication and cultural fusion that characterized early 20th-century Japanese architecture.
Historical Background
Shibusawa Eiichi was born in what is now Fukaya City and went on to establish the foundations of Japan's modern economic society through the creation and nurturing of corporate enterprises. His base of operations was the Dai-Ichi National Bank (later Dai-Ichi Bank), where he served as the first president. Upon reaching his 77th birthday, Shibusawa retired from the bank presidency, and his devoted employees pooled their own funds to construct this memorial hall in his honor — a testament to the deep respect and admiration they held for him.
Seishido was originally built on the grounds of Seiwean, a recreational and sports facility for Dai-Ichi Bank employees located in Seta, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The building served as a gathering hall for bank-related events for many decades. In 1997, when plans were made to demolish it as part of a campus expansion by St. Mary's Academy, Fukaya City stepped forward to preserve this irreplaceable piece of Shibusawa's legacy. Between 1998 and 1999, the building was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current site using a pioneering large-block disassembly technique — the first time such a method had been applied to a brick structure in Japan.
Why Seishido Was Designated an Important Cultural Property
Seishido was designated a national Important Cultural Property on May 30, 2003, for several compelling reasons. The building exemplifies the Arts and Crafts movement influence that characterized one important strand of Taisho-period architecture. Its designer, Tanabe Junkichi, was one of the foremost architects of the era, and Seishido is considered his representative masterwork. The structure achieves a remarkable harmony of diverse cultural elements — an English countryside exterior combined with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese decorative motifs — all executed with extraordinary craftsmanship in brick, plaster, and stained glass. Furthermore, the bricks used in the building were manufactured by the Nihon Renga Seizō (Japan Brick Manufacturing Company) in Fukaya, making it an important local heritage artifact as well.
Architectural Highlights and Things to See
Exterior Design
The building's exterior is modeled after an English country farmhouse, fulfilling Shibusawa's design brief of a "Western-style country cottage of approximately 30 tsubo." The single-story brick structure features a natural slate roof and a charming veranda with ornamental railings and built-in benches at each end. Tanabe deliberately selected bricks with varied coloring, arranging them in a rhythmic pattern using the French bond technique with red, yellow, and black decorative bricks to create visual texture and movement across the façade.
The "Kiju" Brick Relief
On the north wall behind the fireplace, bricks are arranged in a Korean-style decorative pattern spelling out the characters for "kiju" (喜寿, meaning 77th birthday) — a direct tribute to the occasion that inspired the building's creation. Flanking this relief are windows fitted with exquisite stained glass panels.
Interior Splendor
The main hall features a cylindrical vaulted ceiling (barrel vault) adorned with plaster reliefs depicting clouds, cranes, pine needles, and the character for "longevity" (寿) in a Korean-inspired style. In contrast, the adjacent anteroom (tsugino-ma) has a traditional Japanese ajiro (wickerwork) ceiling inspired by sukiya-style architecture. This deliberate juxtaposition of Eastern and Western artistic traditions within a single building is one of Seishido's most captivating qualities.
The Name "Seishido"
Shibusawa Eiichi personally named the building, drawing from a passage in the Confucian classic Zhongyong (Doctrine of the Mean): "Sincerity is the way of Heaven; to pursue sincerity is the way of humanity." This philosophical foundation reflects both Shibusawa's deep learning and his lifelong commitment to ethical business practices.
Visitor Information
Seishido is open to the public free of charge throughout the year, except during the New Year holiday period (December 29 to January 3). Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Individual visitors can simply register at the reception desk on arrival. Groups of 10 or more are requested to make advance reservations through the Fukaya City Cultural Promotion Division. A detailed walking guide pamphlet is available on-site, and guided tours can be arranged upon request.
The building is located within the Oyori Community Center grounds in Fukaya City. From JR Fukaya Station (Takasaki Line) north exit, it is approximately 4 kilometers north — about 10 minutes by car or one hour on foot. The Fukaya Community Bus "Kururin" Northern Shuttle service connects the station directly to the Oyori Community Center stop. Rental bicycles ("Fukapedal") are also available from the station area. For car navigation, search for "Fukaya-shi Okiai 84-1" (the address of Oyori Community Center).
Nearby Attractions
Adjacent to Seishido stands Seifutei (清風亭), a Spanish-style building constructed in 1926 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Sasaki Yunosuke, the second president of Dai-Ichi Bank. Designated a Saitama Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, it provides a fascinating architectural contrast to Seishido. Visitors to Fukaya City can also explore the Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Museum, the Shibusawa Eiichi birthplace (Nakanoya), and the historic Nihon Renga Seizō (Japan Brick Manufacturing) site with its impressive Hoffman kiln — all closely linked to Shibusawa's remarkable legacy. The city is also famous for its deep-fried leek dishes and the beloved mascot character Fukkachan.
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Q&A
- What is Seishido and why is it important?
- Seishido is a brick memorial hall built in 1916 to celebrate the 77th birthday of Shibusawa Eiichi, the father of Japanese capitalism. It was designated a national Important Cultural Property in 2003 as a representative masterwork of Taisho-period architecture by the renowned architect Tanabe Junkichi.
- Is there an admission fee to visit Seishido?
- No, admission is completely free. The building is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM year-round, except during the New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3).
- How can I get to Seishido from Fukaya Station?
- From JR Fukaya Station north exit, you can take the community bus "Kururin" Northern Shuttle to the Oyori Community Center stop, drive approximately 10 minutes, cycle using rental bicycles, or walk about one hour (4 km north).
- Why was Seishido relocated to Fukaya City?
- Originally located in Setagaya, Tokyo, Seishido faced demolition in 1997. Fukaya City, as Shibusawa Eiichi's birthplace, stepped in to preserve this historic building and relocated it using a pioneering brick disassembly technique between 1998 and 1999.
- What other sites can I visit nearby?
- Right next to Seishido is Seifutei, a Spanish-style building and Saitama Prefectural Cultural Property. Nearby you can also visit the Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Museum, his birthplace (Nakanoya), and the historic Japan Brick Manufacturing site with its Hoffman kiln.
Basic Information
| Name | Seishido (誠之堂) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (designated May 30, 2003) |
| Construction | 1916 (Taisho 5) |
| Designer | Tanabe Junkichi (Chief Engineer, Shimizu-gumi) |
| Structure | Reinforced brick, single story, natural slate roof |
| Floor Area | 113.30 m² |
| Location | 110-3 Okiai Aza Tōgon, Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture |
| Owner | Fukaya City |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) |
| Closed | December 29 – January 3 |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Approx. 10 min by car or community bus from JR Fukaya Station (Takasaki Line) |
| Contact | Fukaya City Cultural Promotion Division — Tel: 048-577-4501 |
References
- 誠之堂・清風亭のご案内／深谷市ホームページ
- https://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/kanko/kanko/seisido_seifutei/1391497434025.html
- 誠之堂について／深谷市ホームページ
- https://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/soshiki/kyoiku/bunka/tanto/seisido_seifutei/1391500965573.html
- 誠之堂 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/158325
- 誠之堂 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%AA%A0%E4%B9%8B%E5%A0%82
- 国指定等の文化財／深谷市ホームページ
- https://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/rekishi_bunkazai/shinobunkazai/1391665872242.html
Last verified: 2026.04.10