On 14 November 2021, we installed a shinbashira (centre column) in the two-storied pagoda at Nichiren-shū Kakuzōji Temple (Suginami Ward, Tokyo).We were blessed with good weather on the day, and the shinbashira was lifted by a crane and slowly installed.
The shinbashira (centre column) runs through the centre of the two-storied pagoda and provides excellent shock absorption.The Horyuji Temple (National Treasure) and Yakushi-ji Temple East Tower (National Treasure) in Nara, known as pagodas, also have shinbashira (centre columns) connected using the shell joint method.The shinbashira (centre column) of the two-storied pagoda at Kakuzōji Temple was also installed by Suiundo craftsmen using this method.
When completed, the two-storied pagoda at Kakuzōji Temple will be 14 Shaku wide and 10 metres high to the top of the roban (top part of pagoda). (Scheduled for completion in March 2022)

*Reference: Suiundo’s master carpenters use traditional joinery techniques to increase the strength of the architecture and make effective use of materials.

Shell joint

You can see the process of producing the two-storied pagoda for Nichiren-shū Kakuzōji Temple on the following pages.

Temporary assembly of the first roof of the two-storied pagoda. (April 2021)

Temporary assembly of the bearing blocks for the roof of the two-storied pagoda. (December 2020)

Production of the roof and blacket complex of the two-storied pagoda. (August 2020)宗覚蔵寺様　多宝塔の屋根・枡組を製作中。（2020年8月)

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