Discovering the History and Design of Karahafu Architecture

Karahafu architecture is a unique and fascinating aspect of Japanese design. The style originated in the 17th century.

One of the defining features of Karahafu architecture is the use of curved lines and shapes. This is evident in the curved eaves and rooflines of Karahafu buildings.

The curved design of Karahafu architecture is often associated with the Japanese concept of "yin and yang." This philosophical idea emphasizes the balance and harmony between opposing forces.

The karahafu style of roof originated in Japan during the late Heian period. It was named after the word "kara", which can also mean "peculiar" or "elegant", and was often added to names of objects considered grand or intricate.

The karahafu was initially used only in temples and aristocratic gateways, but it became increasingly popular during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, when Japan was influenced by Asian continent cultures. This is when it started to be used in many Zen temples.

The karahafu was reserved for special occasions, such as the shōgun's visits or the reception of the emperor. Its association with these social connections gave it special meaning.

The karahafu was also used as a symbol of prestige in buildings, and its use became widespread during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. This was when it became an important architectural element in the construction of daimyō's mansions and castles.

Here are some key dates in the development of the karahafu style:

The karahafu was a symbol of both religious and secular architecture, and its use was a powerful symbol of authority reflected in architecture.

Karahafu has its roots in Japanese architecture, dating back to the Heian period (794 - 1192). The term Kara-hafu originated in Japan, not China, despite the prefix Kara meaning China.

The Japanese valued advanced Chinese things, calling them Kara-mono, and often prefixed Kara to the name of novel things. This is why you might see "Chinese Gate" or "Chinese-style Gate" as a translation of Kara-mon featuring Kara-hafu in English explanations of temple and castle buildings, but those are not accurate.

Kara-hafu was used in temples, castles, and aristocrats' and samurai residences since the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) due to its high decorativeness and quality. It can be seen in many existing traditional buildings today.

The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 - 1603) was the era when people liked flashy and gorgeous styles, and Kara-hafu was particularly popular during this time. This was the era of samurai powers Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built fancy Azuchi and Jurakudai Castles.

Here are some notable periods in the spread of Kara-hafu:

In modern times, Kara-hafu has been used as a significant motif of Japanese roofs. For example, Kara-hafu was adopted in the second Kabukza Theater building completed in the modern Meiji period (1867 - 1911) and has been handed down today.

Kara-hafu has been used in temples, castles, and aristocrats' residences since the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) due to its high decorativeness and quality.

It's a style that's been around for centuries, and you can still see it in many traditional buildings today.

The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 - 1603) was a time when people loved flashy and gorgeous styles, and Kara-hafu was particularly popular during this era.

Architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori notes that this was the time when samurai powers like Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi built fancy castles like Azuchi and Jurakudai.

Kara-hafu was often used in monumental buildings like Nikko Toshogu and prestigious temples and shrines during the Edo period (1603 - 1867).

One example of a rare use of Kara-hafu is at Shurijo Castle in Okinawa, which features a Japanese-style design.

Unfortunately, the main building of Shurijo Castle burned down in 2019, but it's still an impressive example of Kara-hafu in Japanese architecture.

Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect, respected the old designs of the Kabukiza Theater buildings and used Kara-hafu in the design of the 5th Kabukiza Theater in 2013.

The Kara-hafu motif has been adopted in modern times, including in the design of the 5th Kabukiza Theater, which opened in 2013.

Kara-hafu can still be found in Tokyo's public sento bathhouses, specifically in the Miya-gata or Miya-zukuri sento styles, which have a striking appearance.

These bathhouses were rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and are now on the verge of extinction, but some still remain in the city.

In the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, you can find an old public bathhouse named Kodakara-yu, which is said to be one of the models for the Abura-ya bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's animated film, Spirited Away.