San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place/Event: Japantown Peace Pagoda

Address/Location: Japantown Peace Plaza (Buchanan Street)

Visual Description:

The Japantown Peace Pagoda is a five-tiered structure that lies in the center of the Japantown Peace Plaza, overlooking the Japan Center Mall. All five layers are supported by 12 concrete pillars at the base of the structure, with each layer decreasing in diameter as it approaches the top (from 46’ to 34’ feet). Each layer is covered with copper plating that gradually weathers into a patina green color. At the top of the pagoda lies the Kurin, a thin, circular spire covered in rings. At the tip of the spire lies the Honshu, an ornamental gold ball with a flaming head. The two pictures on the left were taken before the Peace Plaza was renovated in 2000 (see history), while the two pictures on the right show its current state, surrounded by cherry trees and a half-moon walkway leading up to its base. Visitors can enter the bottom of the Peace Pagoda and read about its history on a bronze plaque.

History:

The Peace Pagoda was designed by world-renowned Tokyo architect Yoshiro Taniguchi and donated to Japantown in 1968 by its sister city, Osaka. The structure was a gesture of goodwill from Japan to the United States, and has since become one of Japantown’s biggest tourist attractions. The original design was inspired by a set of round pagodas that existed more than 1200 years ago in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. The initial structure featured a 17-century old eternal flame (left picture) that was donated by the Sumida Shrine in Osaka and a reflecting fish-pond (second from left) that encircled the Pagoda. However, due to leakage and other problems, the Pagoda was renovated in 2000 and select features were removed.

Significance:

Historical, Cultural

Recognition of Significance:

Featured in local newspapers; chosen as icon of Japantown for city directional signage.

Sources:

Seiko Fujimoto, President, Dentoh Publishing

Other Comments:

The Peace Pagoda is a significant cultural landmark that symbolizes eternal peace between Japan and the United States.

Prepared By: Seiko Fujimoto Date Prepared: 7/28/04