University of Tokyo Faculty of Engineering Reppinkan

The First Uchida Gothic Building

The University of Tokyo Faculty of Engineering Reppinkan (東京大学工学部列品館) is a reinforced concrete building completed in 1925 on the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, which in 1998 was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records three storeys and a building area of 766 square metres, registered as a model of design.

The Agency places it to the left of the main gate, further in, housing the engineering faculty offices. Hit by the earthquake while under construction, it is known as the first building completed in line with Uchida Yoshikazu's reconstruction plan.

Structure and Design

The university explains that Uchida Gothic, the style of most prewar buildings, was devised by Uchida as the style of the reconstruction, and the Reppinkan was its first building.

It has a square plan around a court, an arcaded porch, pilasters with ornamental tops and tall windows, and its recessed corners give the exterior strong depth.

What to Look For

The university notes that it was meant to be a museum displaying academic specimens, hence its name, and was built with money left over from Engineering Building 2. The Agency adds that research materials collected in China and Korea by Ito Chuta, Sekino Tadashi and others were once displayed here.

Inside the main gate on the left, look at the arcaded front and the shadows cast by the recessed corners.

Visiting

It now houses offices. Faculty buildings are generally closed to visitors, so view the exterior from the campus grounds.

Visiting rules and directions for the campus are on the University of Tokyo Hongo Campus group page.