Dewa Yushinkan
Dewa Yushinkan was built in October 1994 as a lifelong learning facility. It was designed by Akio Nakamura, said to be the best architect of sukiya-zukuri style (built in the style of a tea-ceremony hut). His design allows visitors to feel the warmth of the wood and utilizes traditional Japanese culture throughout the building and garden. The name, Dewa Yushinkan was chosen from among suggestions submitted by residents. “Dewa” is the former name of this region, and “yushin” means a richly playful spirit.
The building was constructed in the sukiya-zukuri style of architecture. “Sukiya” refers to a small tea-ceremony hut, but since the Momoyama period (15th century), sukiya-zukuri has meant buildings constructed with a small tea ceremony hut. This building also has several tea ceremony rooms, and people who love tea ceremony hold tea parties here. A beautiful circuit-style garden wanders around the outside of the building, so it can be enjoyed from any of the rooms. In addition, the adjacent open veranda affords a view of Sakata, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Gassan, the Mogami River, and Sakata city center.
Simply explained, the Japanese tea ceremony originates with tea culture that was brought from China in the 7th century. It was further developed by the Japanese into what is now called Japanese tea culture. There are many types of tea in Japan, but it is mainly enjoyed in two ways during tea ceremonies. In one method, tea is brewed by pouring hot water over dried green tea leaves. In the other method, hot water is poured over powdered green tea leaves and stirred. The tea ceremony is not simply for drinking tea, but also encompasses enjoyment of wall scrolls, flower arrangements, gardens, and the meal served after the tea. Moreover, it is also a Japanese philosophical way of thinking that teaches how people should live life.
The 107 m-long stream flowing through the garden represents the Mogami River flowing from the headwaters to the Japan Sea. There are also many flowers and trees in the garden that bloom in different seasons. There is another garden called “Roji” that is part of the tea room, “Senruji.” The name, “Roji” means “to attain the state of selflessness” in Buddhism.
(Koichi Ito et al., VIPS)
The photos on this page are courtesy of the Shonai Visitors Association and VIPS.