Yamanashi Eiwa Junior and Senior High School Auditorium

Greenbank Chapel: A Postwar Symbol of Faith and Resilience at Yamanashi Eiwa

Nestled on a hillside in the Atago district of Kofu City, with the mountains of Kai Province as its backdrop, the Greenbank Chapel stands as a cherished symbol of Yamanashi Eiwa Junior and Senior High School. Completed in 1949, just four years after the end of World War II, this chapel embodies the spirit of reconstruction and the enduring power of education rooted in Christian faith. In October 2022, it was officially registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.

A School Born of Canadian Mission and Japanese Aspiration

Yamanashi Eiwa was founded in 1889 as the first institution for women's education in Yamanashi Prefecture. It was established through the combined efforts of local Christian businessmen and missionaries from the Woman's Missionary Society of the Canadian Methodist Church. As one of the "Three Eiwa" schools—alongside Toyo Eiwa in Tokyo and Shizuoka Eiwa—the institution has maintained its Christian educational mission for over 135 years.

The school's motto, "Reverence for God, Love for Humanity, Self-Discipline" (敬神・愛人・自修), reflects the values instilled by generations of Canadian missionaries who served as principals and teachers. Among them, Miss Greenbank holds a particularly special place in the school's history.

Miss Greenbank: The Beloved Principal

The chapel takes its name from Miss Greenbank, who served as the 10th and 12th principal of Yamanashi Eiwa Girls' School. A Canadian Methodist missionary, she was deeply beloved by students, faculty, and the local community alike. In 1928, she introduced the school's iconic sailor-style uniform, a design that continues to be worn by students to this day.

Beyond the school walls, Miss Greenbank actively engaged with the surrounding community, teaching English and building bridges between cultures. Her contributions were so significant that she was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Kofu City in 1957, and a memorial monument was erected in the city's Yuki Park in 1986. When she returned to the school in 1947 after the war, she brought with her a piano from Canada, which is still preserved on the second floor of the chapel.

Architectural Design and Heritage Value

The Greenbank Chapel was designed by architect Shiokawa Akira and completed in 1949. The building is a three-story structure combining reinforced concrete and timber construction, topped with a T-shaped gable roof covered in slate tiles. The total building area is 379 square meters.

The first floor is constructed of reinforced concrete with an elegant brick cladding exterior, while the second and third floors, which house the main auditorium and chapel, are of timber-frame construction with a mortar finish. This combination of materials reflects the resourcefulness required during the postwar reconstruction era, when building supplies were scarce.

The most striking architectural feature is the chapel's vaulted ceiling. The kingpost truss structure is ingeniously concealed within the sloped ceiling, creating a refined and spacious interior that evokes the hull of an inverted ship—known in Japanese as a "funazoko" (ship-bottom) ceiling. This design lends the space a sense of both warmth and solemnity. The anchor-shaped lighting fixtures further carry the nautical motif, adding a distinctive character to the chapel's interior.

Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

The Greenbank Chapel was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property on October 31, 2022, in recognition of several important qualities. As a mission school chapel built during the immediate postwar period, it represents a significant chapter in Japan's architectural and educational history. The skillful integration of reinforced concrete and timber construction demonstrates innovative building techniques adapted to the material constraints of the era.

Furthermore, the elegant treatment of the kingpost truss within the sloped ceiling, creating a sophisticated open interior, was recognized as a notable architectural achievement. The chapel stands as a rare surviving example of postwar institutional architecture associated with Christian education in Japan.

Highlights and What to See

The chapel continues to serve as the spiritual heart of Yamanashi Eiwa, used daily for morning worship services, school ceremonies, and music classes. Here are some of the highlights that make this building special:

• The magnificent pipe organ, installed in 1990 to commemorate the school's centennial, fills the chapel with rich, resonant sound during worship services and special events.
• The ship-bottom ceiling with its exposed timber beams and anchor-motif chandeliers creates an atmosphere that is both modern and reverent.
• The curved staircase landing leading to the second floor exudes a gentle warmth and elegance characteristic of the era's craftsmanship.
• Historical artifacts displayed on the second floor include the piano brought from Canada by Miss Greenbank in 1947, and a set of handbells donated in 1973 by D. Rogers, the last Canadian missionary to serve at the school.
• The old school nameplate bearing the wartime name "Eiwa" (栄和)—changed from the original "英和" under government pressure between 1941 and 1958—is preserved within the chapel as a poignant reminder of the school's perseverance through difficult times.

Visiting the Chapel

As the Greenbank Chapel is located within the campus of an active school, general public access may be limited. Visitors interested in viewing the chapel are advised to contact the school administration in advance to inquire about visiting opportunities. The school occasionally opens the chapel for special events, concerts, and cultural heritage commemorative programs.

The school is situated in the Atago district of Kofu City, embraced by the greenery of Mount Atago. The campus can be seen from the JR Chuo Line, making it a recognizable landmark for travelers passing through the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Greenbank Chapel's location in the Atago area of Kofu offers convenient access to several notable destinations. Takeda Shrine, dedicated to the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen, is located nearby and stands on the site of the historic Tsutsujigasaki Mansion. Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Atago, home to the Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center and Atago-yama Children's Park.

Kofu City itself is rich in samurai heritage, with attractions such as Kofu Castle (Maizuru Castle Park) near JR Kofu Station, and Kai Zenkoji Temple, founded by Takeda Shingen. The Shosenkyo Gorge, renowned as one of Japan's most beautiful ravines, is accessible from the city and offers stunning natural scenery, particularly during autumn foliage season. The area is also famous for its local cuisine, including hoto (flat noodle stew) and Kofu tori-motsu-ni (simmered chicken offal), as well as the vineyards and wineries of the Kofu Basin.