Retro Japan: Meiji-era school building in Okayama Pref. popular among cosplayers
Alarming notices, such as "regarding swords that can be drawn" and "firearms that can be brought in," appeared on the website of a certain event. What were they about?
The notes were precautions for a cosplay event held at the former Fukiya Elementary School. While the "swords" and "firearms" in question referred to replicas and toys, restrictions were placed on what could be brought in to ensure safety. The wooden school building has been featured in TV dramas, movies and anime, making it a popular photo spot among cosplay enthusiasts. The event has been held at the site three times in the past.
The east and west wings of the school were completed in 1900, and the main building was finished in 1909. Until its closure in March 2012, it was considered the oldest wooden school building still in use in Japan.
This is an example of "pseudo-Western" school architecture representing the late Meiji era. The main building, with its clapboard siding, is symmetrically flanked by the east and west wings. The wide hallway on the main building's first floor also served as a gymnasium. Above it is a triangular truss structure framework, a distinctive feature of the pseudo-Western style.
After the school closed, the building underwent preservation and repair work, and it has been open to the public since 2022.
(Japanese original by Masashi Mimura, Osaka Photo and Video Department)
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The Japanese version of this article was originally published on June 1, 2025.
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This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
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