This paper aims to clarify the regulations of fire compartment in the former building codes in Japan. The analysis of investigations into seven building codes in Taisyo era or later presents the following aspects.
1. The regulations of fire compartment that were laid down in 1930's had the following characters.
1) The regulations of area and stairwell fire compartment were laid down, but other fire compartments were not.
2) The indented building types were only department store and apartment.
2. The building code in 1933 and 1936 are assumed the following each role.
1) The code in 1933 gave priority to earlier announcement though ambiguous expressions.
2) The code in 1936 aimed to disseminate and realize the concept of fire compartment nationwide.
