A Walk Around Tsukiji
The other day, I walked around the Tsukiji area with guests from Mexico. Since it was after 3:00 PM, the Tsukiji Outer Market was already quiet. However, although the world-renowned Tsukiji Fish Market moved to Toyosu in 2018, the outer market in Tsukiji remains popular among foreign tourists, bustling with activity from morning until around noon. When visiting this area, I recommend taking the time to visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, which is just a short walk away.
A Temple with a Rich History
The temple is directly managed by the Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Nishi Hongwanji, and was built in its current location in 1679. It is still known for holding funerals for famous individuals and is one of Tokyo’s representative temples. Pay attention to the building itself. The main hall was rebuilt in 1934 after being damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake. Inspired by ancient Indian architecture, it features extensive use of marble carvings and, at the time, was a rare example of a reinforced concrete structure for religious architecture. The main hall is also designated as an Important Cultural Property.
A Historic Construction Company
The company responsible for constructing this building is Matsui Construction Co.,Ltd, which is the oldest among the roughly 4,000 companies currently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It was founded in 1586, before Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo Shogunate, during the era when warlords were battling for national unification. Originally founded in Toyama Prefecture, the company was involved in the construction of castles and temples. After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, it expanded to Tokyo to assist in the city’s reconstruction.
Japan: A Country of Longevity
Japan is the world’s leading country in terms of longevity, with the average life expectancy for men being 81.05 years and for women 87.09 years (as of 2022). Additionally, according to data released by the government in September, there are 95,119 people aged 100 years or older in the country. Similarly, Japan also has the highest number of companies that have existed for over 100 years, with 42,996 companies reaching their centennial in 2023 (according to Tokyo Shoko Research). The oldest among them is Kongo Gumi, a company based in Osaka that also specializes in temple and shrine construction, and was founded in the year 578. Longevity is not limited to humans.