Frank Lloyd Wright in Japan

I was in the Ikebukuro area today to go to the hospital to see my asthma doctor. I was breathing a lot easier afterward so I stopped by here. Recognize the style?

This is Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Arata Endo. It was built in 1921 in Meijiro, Tokyo. One stop from Ikebukuro on the Yamanote line. It was once a girl's school. This building and others on the site are now used for events such as weddings and concerts. Visitors are welcomed when no events are being held inside.

Check this site Wright in Japan for more information and for photos of other buildings in Japan that were influenced by the Wright style.

Also check Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan for more information.

Detail of the main building of Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan.

Another building across the street from the main building.

On the corner.

Look at the detail of the windows!

Next time I go to the doctor, I want to go back to see inside.

Click here to see a post about a past visit to the asthma doctor. (They've remodeled the hospital since those photos were taken. The staff doesn't appreciate taking photos inside the lobby and halls of the hospital.)

Spring Cleaning

Workers raised scaffolding around this apartment building. Then they hung cloth. Not sure yet how they will clean the walls. They will probably use a sprayer.

Click to enlarge. Note that the workers are wearing sashes with numbers on them. Also, look at how big the pants legs are.

Small Building Near The Great Buddha

The sign on this building says that it is used for security. Papa thinks somebody sits in there to watch the grounds of the Great Buddha. Good thing I didn't go peep through the window!! It looked abandoned.

Here is the drain pipe.

A broom hangs on the side.

Covered Building

This building is being painted. It is covered so that paint doesn't get on cars and other buildings around it.

Red X's

Walking along, I saw these red x's taped on the wall of a daycare building. They were in the back where the garbage bins and tools were, so they weren't some sort of game or decoration. As I got closer, I saw that the x's marked the spots where there were cracks in the wall. Click to enlarge. I don't think you'll be able to see the cracks, but you may be able to see the x's.