Tadashi Sekino′s Perspective on the Architectural Differences Between Japan and Korea Around the Early 1920s

Abstract

This paper focuses on determining the architectural intention of Tadashi Sekino, portrayed in his writings on Japanese and Korean architecture, entitled ″Kikou oyobi chishitu yori mi taru nissen no kenchiku″ [Japanese-Joseon architecture seen from the perspective of climate and geological features] published in Chosen to Kenchiku in 1924; in his journal paper, Sekino claims that the architectural differences between Japan and Korea are related to the geological, climatic, and customary differences between the two countries. However, it is very important to acknowledge that Sekino′s perspective later radically changed from his previous position where he had mainly argued stylistic similarities between Japanese and Korean architecture, beginning with his first publication on Korean architecture in 1904. In this context, this paper argues that Sekino′s architectural writings of 1924 were informed by contemporary Japanese political propagandas that expressed Japan′s attitude towards the West. Especially, for the purpose of dealing with the world politics of the time, Japanese architects attempted to construct a historical narrative to highlight the architectural uniqueness of Japan over its Asian and Western neighbors.